Psalm 53

Read Psalm 53

“The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'” A fool might be afraid to publicly proclaim his atheism. Yet in his heart he denies the existence of the Almighty.

Deeper still in his soul, he actually knows the truth that God exists, but he suppresses the knowledge of this truth in unrighteousness. See Romans 1:18-23. Why such self-deception? In the words of Psalm 53 (and Psalm 14), “They are corrupt.” The fool wants to do everything his own way without any necessary submission to the Judge of the earth. His conscience may accuse him, but he finds a way to excuse himself with the thought that there is no one above who knows or cares for him.

How pervasive is this strange syndrome? David says, “There is none who does good.” All have gone in this dishonest direction to some extent. God looks across all the millions upon the face of the earth to see if there is even one person who is truly seeking Him. His conclusion: “They have all fallen away; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.”

Nonetheless, some give themselves over to the madness of pretended atheism more than others. They refuse to call upon the Name of God. They also devote themselves to the persecution of those who sincerely cry out to God for His grace. They “eat up my people as they eat bread.”

The Lord will be the defender of all who turn to Him. He will make a distinction between the man who humbles himself before the majesty of God and the one who will have none of it. The Lord will keep the former and will scatter the latter.

When will God finally vindicate those who cry out to Him? The very same Jesus who died for the sins of His people will return again to judge all of mankind at just the right time. When He comes He will bring the fullness of salvation from heaven. Then God will distinguish between the one who clings to foolishness and the child of God who receives the wisdom that comes from above.

Prayer from A Book of Prayers

Lord God, You are real. We come to You today in faith. We need You for help in every situation of trouble and terror. Bring salvation to us. Restore our fortunes, and make us glad in Your Son.