14 Fools say in their hearts, there is no God.
They are corrupt and do evil things;
not one of them does anything good.
2 The Lord looks down from heaven on humans
to see if anyone is wise,
to see if anyone seeks God,
3 but all of them have turned bad.
Everyone is corrupt.
No one does good—
not even one person!
4 Are they dumb, all these evildoers,
devouring my people
like they are eating bread
but never calling on the Lord?
5 Count on it:[a] they will be in utter panic
because God is with the righteous generation.
6 You evildoers may humiliate
the plans of those who suffer,
but the Lord is their refuge.
7 Let Israel’s salvation come out of Zion!
When the Lord changes
his people’s circumstances for the better,
Jacob will rejoice;
Israel will celebrate!
Reflection
The study bible I have used to help me write this devotion, for this Psalm, has an introductory title, “Hope Words” and then says, “When God delays, he always delays for a greater purpose.”
14:1-3 These verses are quoted by Paul in Romans 3:10-12 when he makes his case for the sinfulness of humanity. Elsewhere he says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”; therefore, our only hope is the grace of God and “the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Rom 3:23-24).
Are they dumb, all these evildoers, devouring my people like they are eating bread but never…
David is amazed that the wicked think they can devour God’s people and experience no consequences. They are unaware that God will overwhelm them. They don’t realize that God is with those who are righteous (14:5), and to attack God’s people is to attack him. Though for a time, sinners frustrate the plans of the oppressed, they will not prevail (14:6). So, take heart, you who follow the Lord. He keeps track of injustices, and he will bring about your deliverance at the right time.
14:7 Ultimately, this will take place when Jesus Christ rules from David’s throne in his millennial kingdom. On that day, God will establish justice and joy universally and comprehensively. In the meantime, God’s people are to model his rule in a sinful world.
by Clarence Beverage
For Pondering and Prayer
I must confess two things. First, when I read this Psalm, I did not pickup up on the message of delay being part of God’s purpose. Secondly, I feel like we are enduring a time when it seems that each week brings new actions that are negative, and especially burdensome to those least able to withstand the impact.
Despite our current circumstances we always look for signs that God is at work. Each night before dinner, our prayer includes at least one thank you to God running the gamut from successful surgeries to a beautiful sunset, to relationships, to ….
I am writing this on September 7th and the scripture from this morning’s joint service, Micah 6:6-8, and Pastor Joe’s guidance are fresh in my mind. God has told us that while we are waiting, we are to act justly, to love, to show mercy, and live prudently.
As you pray today, or in coming days, may you be asking for guidance because you sensed Jesus’ call?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we acknowledge that you have clearly revealed what is good through your word. Teach us, O Lord, to seek justice not only in our lives but also in our families, communities, workplaces, and nation. May we have the courage to speak out against injustice and the strength to act with compassion towards those who have been wronged. In your name we pray, Amen.
