Psalm 14
Before you continue reading, read through Psalm 14 and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal a new truth to you today.
Both Psalm 14:1 and Psalm 53:1 read, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” Some take these verses to mean that atheists are stupid, i.e., lacking intelligence. However, that is not the only meaning of the Hebrew word translated “fool.” In this text, the Hebrew word is nabal, which often refers to an impious person who has no perception of ethical or religious truth. The meaning of the text is not “unintelligent people do not believe in God.” Rather, the meaning of the text is “sinful people do not believe in God.” In other words, it is a wicked thing to deny God, and a denial of God is often accompanied by a wicked or sinful lifestyle.
Honest, Holy Spirit-led self evaluation causes one to consider if their stated belief matches up to their daily lifestyle. What area of your life (if any) would need to be adjusted first or most, to demonstrate to others that you believe: “There is a God!”?
Action Steps
1. Could you list three adjustments or steps of obedience that you feel God would have you make in your life? Pause and ask the Lord to bring these areas to your attention.
2. Would you be willing to read that list out loud to God?
3. Would you consider calling someone today and asking them to hold you accountable to these changes?
4. Let the words of the song “I Love you, Lord” draw your thoughts toward Jesus!
Both Psalm 14:1 and Psalm 53:1 read, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” Some take these verses to mean that atheists are stupid, i.e., lacking intelligence. However, that is not the only meaning of the Hebrew word translated “fool.” In this text, the Hebrew word is nabal, which often refers to an impious person who has no perception of ethical or religious truth. The meaning of the text is not “unintelligent people do not believe in God.” Rather, the meaning of the text is “sinful people do not believe in God.” In other words, it is a wicked thing to deny God, and a denial of God is often accompanied by a wicked or sinful lifestyle.
Honest, Holy Spirit-led self evaluation causes one to consider if their stated belief matches up to their daily lifestyle. What area of your life (if any) would need to be adjusted first or most, to demonstrate to others that you believe: “There is a God!”?
Action Steps
1. Could you list three adjustments or steps of obedience that you feel God would have you make in your life? Pause and ask the Lord to bring these areas to your attention.
2. Would you be willing to read that list out loud to God?
3. Would you consider calling someone today and asking them to hold you accountable to these changes?
4. Let the words of the song “I Love you, Lord” draw your thoughts toward Jesus!
Posted in Walking with Psalms
1 Comment
In Psalm 14:5 we read, "But there they are, overwhelmed with dread,
for God is present in the company of the righteous".
We are reminded in this passage that in these difficult days, we should not, in our present circumstances and personal difficulties, act as the ungodly, be filled with fear and worry about the future. God is in our midst. He knows our needs. He wants to strengthen, encourage and meet our needs as we allow Him to enter in the midst of it all. Let's aim to be vessels of peace and quiet joy in the midst of all the turmoil, personal challenges and uncertainty around us.