May 10 (Daily reading: Psalms 50, 53, 60, 75) David repeats the theme he wrote in Psalm 14:1, “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (53:1). Let us see the contrast between atheists and believers. Those who say that God does not exist are those who commit corruption and injustice (53:1). A person who does not believe in God will lack motivation to treat other people correctly. In fact, David said twice, “There is no one who does good” (53:1, 3). The fool will live with both fear and shame (53:5).
We have a much longer description of those who believe in God. They “seek after God” and “call upon God” (53:2, 4). When “the salvation of Israel” comes, “Jacob shall rejoice, Israel shall be glad” (53:6). For those who believe in God, the fear and shame of unbelievers are replaced by rejoicing and gladness! The futility of depending on human effort is replaced by help that comes from God: “Oh give us help against the enemy, for rescue by man is worthless” (60:11).
Asaph presented a stewardship principle for believers: God is the owner of all things. “For every animal of the forest is Mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird of the mountains, and everything that moves in the field is Mine … the world is Mine, and everything it contains” (50:10-12). Wisdom is discovered in the truth that all that we have is on loan from God!
Asaph also wrote that believers will be thankful. “We give thanks to You, God, we give thanks, for Your name is near; people declare your wondrous works” (75:1). He quoted God: “He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me” (50:23). Paul gave us the unique philosophy of believers: “In everything give thanks” (1 Thes. 5:18).
– Al Gary
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