Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Psalm 14 (NIV)
For the director of music. Of David.
1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. 2 The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. 3 All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. 4 Do all these evildoers know nothing? They devour my people as though eating bread; they never call on the Lord. 5 But there they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is present in the company of the righteous. 6 You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the Lord is their refuge. 7 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the Lord restores his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!
Why is it “foolish” to say there is no God?
Almighty Father, I just need to look at the wonder of creation to know that You are real. The beauty of the sunrise and sunset, the trees, mountains, streams, animals, and the complexity of our bodies are all evidence of Your wise and creative hand. You created people in Your image, but all people have strayed from You and have sinned. Your plan to pay for those sins with Jesus’ blood provides a means of salvation for all people and restores our broken relationship with You. Your Spirit fills our hearts and lives with Your guidance and gives us Your peace and love. But not all people accept You as Lord. An increasing number of people are rejecting that You even exist. They reject the idea of a creator who demands morality from Your creation. Rather than struggle with a guilty conscience, they reject the idea of You altogether. Foolish people who deny Your existence often live a wicked lifestyle. They are corrupt and their deeds are vile. It is a lack of righteousness that leads them to reject You. Their hearts grow cold and angry and they are filled with hatred and violence. Other people worship themselves with selfishness and pride. There are consequences for corrupt behavior and rejecting Your gift of salvation. Lord, our days on this earth are numbered. I pray that these foolish people accept Your gift of salvation before they meet You face to face and are judged for eternity. I pray that they have the opportunity to enjoy the peace, love, and joy that comes from knowing You as Lord and Savior. Help me to not be a fool or do foolish things. Allow me to be filled with Your Spirit and to live my days on this earth honoring You. I pray that those who do not know You will recognize You through my words and deeds. You are my Lord and God and my precious Savior. You have given me life and all the things in it. For that, I worship and praise You. Amen.