Saturday 09/17/05 - Psalm 14

When you look at the state of the world, it’s difficult sometimes to see good. A recent example of this can be seen in the events surrounding Hurricane Katrina. Some of you may have been appalled to see the violence and looting which occurred after the hurricane. At the same time, you may have wondered about the systems of injustice that have played a part in causing the extreme poverty in the first place.

Finally, perhaps you were appalled at the government’s inept response to the situation, as well as its lack of responsibility in preparing for it—in addition to all the blame-shifting that occurred as well. As you read Psalm 14, it’s easy to agree with the psalmist when he writes about those who deny God, “They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good” (v. 1).

And perhaps you even recognize that though you might not call yourself an atheist, there are many times when you live as if there were no God. You recognize your own nature as corrupt and your deeds vile. Even when you want to do good, you can’t. And when you want to avoid evil, you can’t. Perhaps when you see evil for which there is no apparent punishment, and injustice for which there is no justice, you doubt God’s existence. Or, if he does exist, he doubt His power to do anything. Perhaps you, if you’re honest with yourself, can identify moments in your life when you are, for all intents and purposes, an atheist—one who says in your heart, “There is no God.”

What is the psalmist’s answer to such evil? God is present with the righteous (v. 5). Yahweh is a refuge for the poor (v. 6). Knowing these things, the psalmist cries out for salvation to come out of Zion (v. 7). Despite all the evil that he sees around him, he has hope, for God has promised deliverance for His people.

And we who are Christians now know how God’s deliverance comes to its climax in what Jesus Christ has done. He uniquely was present with us, taking on human flesh and now dwelling in our hearts through His Holy Spirit. He is our unique refuge as One who has entered our weakness and pain. He uniquely has seen evil in this world, being crucified at the hands of evildoers for crimes of other evildoers.

The good news is this: The Lord has already restored the fortunes of His people through the person and work of Jesus Christ. And it’s not only Jacob and Israel who rejoice and are glad. Now, people from every nation, language, tongue, and tribe who are in Christ Jesus can rejoice and be glad because of what Jesus has done.

Are you overwhelmed by the evil that you see around you? Take refuge in Jesus, who is with you and your unique refuge.

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