by Andrea Sloma
The LORD looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, and who seek God. All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.
PSALM 14:2-3, NIV
The beginning of Psalm 14 can sound pretty disheartening and maybe resonates with our own feelings about what we see around us. We’ve all had those days. The kind where you look around and see nothing but brokenness and despair. You lay your head on the pillow at night and wonder, “Is there anyone or anything good left in this world?”
Like David, the author of this psalm, you are not alone in your questions.
Psalm 14 starts off with David talking about people who say, “There is no God,” and who go about life doing whatever they want. Yet, in the midst of what is turning out to be a pretty discouraging passage of scripture, God offers a glimpse of hope.
But there they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is present in the company of the righteous.
PSALM 14:5, NIV
What this verse tells us is that even though someone can get so caught up in living a corrupt, evil life, completely devoid of Christ, they still cannot escape the presence of Christ. Not because they are looking for it, but because of those who choose to walk in it.
Part of our call as Christians is to draw people to the presence of God in this broken and fallen world. God is full of grace and mercy. He wishes to enter the lives of everyone, even those who have turned their back on Him, even those who deny Him. People are not the enemy but instead the battleground that we fight the enemy on. For some people, their only encounter with Christ and the Gospel may be what they witness in you. There are people this week who will only see God if they see Him in you; if they see Him in your actions, if they hear Him in your words.
Be the salt and light of the world.
MATTHEW 5:13-16, NKJ
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
MATTHEW 5:16, NKJ
Dear God, there are so many people in this world who have chosen to live life their own way and do not seek You. It can be so disheartening to see the evil and corruption in this world. Yet Psalm 14 ends with a promise of salvation and restoration for Your people. You always have the victory in the end, Lord. Thank you for never leaving us without the hope of our future victory in You. I pray that we draw people to your presence; in our home, our work, and our community. May our life be a testimony to Your goodness, mercy and redemption. Let others be so captivated by our light that they choose to seek a life of surrender and obedience to You.
Amen.