Psalm 14 Foolishness

The dictionary says a fool is someone who lacks understanding. It is true that only a fool would say that there is no God. When we believe there is no God is we have undoubtedly been seduced by the trappings of intellect and the physical realm. If we look to the world for strength, purpose, and support, we can be tricked into believing that there is nothing beyond our experience in this world.

Unfortunately, when we succumb to these ideas our thoughts and deeds are corrupt because we believe them to be of our own doing and for our own exaltation. The intention with which we act is erroneous and the results can be nothing less.

Despite our arrogance, God waits patiently for us to look to God for guidance. That is the beauty of God’s chesed (lovingkindness). God waits upon our decision to embrace the Divine. We as human beings have the gift of choice. God cannot and will not override our personal will. Without God at the center of our lives the world seems to be a very hostile place—a dog eat dog world (eat my up people as they eat bread). In the world of effect, there is no source of stability. The only thing we can depend on is change and chaos. We find that our lives are out of balance and we cannot set ourselves aright (shall be in great terror).

Many believers probably think that the fool of these verses is someone who is a non-believer. However, as believers we have moments of everyday in which we act a like a fool. We ignore the guidance of Spirit. We do not make God our partner in every thing we do. We know as human beings that we have at best limited understanding, but somehow it is so easy to slide into self-sufficiency. And then we get ourselves into difficulties. But if we can place our will (through righteousness) in the hands of Spirit, there is nothing that we cannot do. Then the Lord will restore the fortunes of his peoples—our divine birthright of well being. We have the opportunity to ask ourselves every moment are we being a fool?

And so it is! Amen!