“The Lord looked down from heaven on the children of men, to see if there were any who understood, who sought after God. They have all gone aside. They have together become corrupt. There is no one who does good, no, not one.“ Psalm 14:2-3
December is the darkest month of the year. ( not trying to be spiritual) this is when we are farthest from the sun. Days are shorter and nights are longer. God chose that month for us to celebrate Jesus as “the light of the world” who came to bring God’s light and life into our darkest hours. Don’t think of this as spiritual.
Psalm 14 tells us “God is looking for one to do good and understand God. How about being that one? Psalm 14 encourages all of us to be useful to God to bring His light and hope to the world.
And if you are paying attention, then you know this world needs it more than ever,
“Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread and do not call on the Lord? There they are in great fear. For God is with the generation of the righteous. You shame the counsel of the poor, but the Lord is his refuge.” Psalm 14:4-6
God reminds us that there are always “bad people” who take advantage of others…He then points out that their sin is the result of “not calling on the Lord.” It is time for us (we who do call on the Lord) to answer His call to us and be part of His bringing His light and comfort to the hurting world.
God is our refuge.
“There they are in great dread, for God is with the righteous generation. You would put to shame the counsel of the afflicted, but the Lord is his refuge. The righteous face troubles of all sorts, but they remember that God is with them. And cannot put to shame their protection, because it is the Lord Himself.
God continues to contrast the world with His followers; “they are in great fear” (anxiety and stress are at unprecedented levels in our country) while God is “with the righteous” providing peace and joy. We should help comfort those who need encouragement.
“Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion. When the Lord restores the fortunes of His people, then Jacob shall rejoice, and Isreal shall be glad.” Psalm 14:7
“Salvation coming from Zion“ is someone from among God’s own people bringing the help and hope needed to “save the world.” God is looking for “one to get it right”… Not to save the whole world. But to do one good thing for one person in need.
From Pity to Praise 