Psalm 14: The fool says in his heart, "There is no God"

By Sean Theunissen
Psalm 14 (NIV)

I've often had someone or something come up against my faith as if it was stupid child's play. Whether it was friends at uni or even documentaries or films in which the whole idea of God is ridiculed as something for the weak minded, sensitive soul.

When I come up against that I either get really angry or just feel really weak and useless in the face of something or someone who seems much cleverer and intellectual. It's in these moments that we need to hear psalms like this one.

The word fool here derived from the word ‘Nabal’ has the significance of something fading, dying or falling away, as a withered leaf or flower. It gives me such courage to read this and know that God doesn't need a big kid in the school playground to stick up for Him. He just laughs at the stupidity of the atheist and the hedonist, living life and hurting people without any concern for consequence and justice.

David finishes the psalm with a firm hope in God:

'You would shame the plans of the poor, but the Lord is his refuge. Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the Lord restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.' 

Not 'if' but 'when' the Lord restores. Our challenge is to see the fool for who he is but then to pray for his heart to change. David is passionate about God's honour and renown in all the earth, when we hear God's honour being dragged through the mud, what is our reaction? Is it to say, 'Oh well, that's just the way the world is now,' or is it, 'O Lord, that You would reveal yourself to this broken, confused and rebellious generation. Would You use me to demonstrate your love and power'.

Lord make me more passionate for your fame, let my prayer life reflect the battle that we're actually in. Help me to remember that no one puts you to shame and all will have to face You one day and who will be able to stand up to you then? It's amazing to think that You are on my side.