Reading:

Take the time to read the entirety of Psalm 14:1-7 and then come back and read the following verse.

The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
– Psalm 14:1a

Reflection:

There are some days in my life when I have moments of wondering if everything that I believe is true. They are usually fleeting moments, but they do happen.

Is this all really true? Am I giving my life to something that is just a myth? Is there really a God, and is he as good as the Scriptures say?

This is not something that you will hear pastors, or even Christians, own up to all that often. But my suspicion is that most, if not all, people of faith have these moments. The key seems to be to have them less often, and for shorter periods of time. But how?

In Psalm 14, David suggests that a simple weighing of the evidence before you is enough to persuade you that faith isn’t foolish – lack of faith is.

When I examine what I’ve seen there’s really only one conclusion I can come to. There is a God, and he is good.

This reminded me to look back on my life at all the things that God has done. When I simply examine what I have seen, and what I get to see every day, there is really only one conclusion that I can come to.

There is a God, and he is good.

I have seen hopeless rebels come to a saving faith through a loving Savior. I have seen divorced couples, who could not be in the same room, find reconciling grace. I have seen victims of abuse find their power again with the strength that comes from forgiveness. I have seen wealthy men take off their suits to serve a family that has never known wealth. I have seen families mourn, but not as those who have no hope. And I have seen that rarest of things: people being changed – especially me.

The evidences of God’s abundant grace are all around us. What do they look like in your life?

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
– Romans 1:20 (NIV)

Don’t be a fool. Stop. Take a deep breath. Examine your life. Look up. He is there. He is good.

Singing As We Plant

The categories of foolish and wise are brilliant categories for engaging our world.

Who wants to live a foolish life? Who would not want to be known for their calm poise amidst life’s turbulence? Who would not want to have the skill to navigate life as it really is?
Part of that reality is the existence of God, the reality of a watching, knowing Judge who cannot be duped.

The language of foolish and wise is a precious tool that we should use frequently.

Of course, the categories of foolish and wise also include moral components. It is not just that we are better equipped to face life if we are wise and acknowledge God. But rather, we are morally deficient if we don’t.

In our evangelism, counseling, preaching and writing, the language of foolish and wise is a precious tool that we should use frequently. As we plumb the depths of this biblical theme, we draw closer and closer to Jesus:

And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
– 1 Corinthians 1:30-31

Our church-plants will be stronger for it.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times when I doubt your goodness, and for the times when I question your ongoing work in the world. Give me eyes to see who you are, and give me faith to trust in you more resolutely.