Psalm 14 [NLT]
Only fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good!

The Lord looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God.

But no, all have turned away; all have become corrupt. No one does good, not a single one!

Will those who do evil never learn? They eat up my people like bread and wouldn’t think of praying to the Lord.

Terror will grip them, for God is with those who obey him.

The wicked frustrate the plans of the oppressed, but the Lord will protect his people.

Who will come from Mount Zion to rescue Israel? When the Lord restores his people, Jacob will shout with joy, and Israel will rejoice.

Dear God, I wish there was a little key that would tell us what was going on in David’s life when he wrote this Psalm. Where was he in his ascendency to the throne? Was he being chased by Saul? Was he living in exile? Was he King, but it’s pre-Bathseba so things are good? Was it post-Bathsheba when things were bad?

Good poetry, I think, bring me into the author’s thoughts and emotions and connects to something similar that is within me. In this instance, I do get very frustrated with the evil I see around me. I get frustrated by the domestic violence, emotional abuse, drug use, sex trafficking, etc. How long, oh, Lord?

The end of this Psalm gives me a link to the hope that David felt. It is the same hope that I feel. You will restore your people. One day, your justice is coming. The question is, what will I be doing on that day? Will I be found faithful, working in your field, taking the talents you gave me and trying to return them to you with interest? Or will I be feeling sorry for myself, complaining about the evil, but doing nothing about it? Will I be about building my own cocoon that will protect me through my own efforts, or will I be out there, vulnerable, leaning on you?

Father, help me today. There are times when I pray great things in the morning, but then go right out and fail you. Help me to not fail you, but to be so in tune with you that I will see every moment through your eyes. Thank you for what you are doing. Thank you for what you have done. And that you for what you will do.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen