September 9: Of Foolish Hearts

Isaiah 3:1-5:30

2 Corinthians 11:1-15

Psalm 53:1-6

Proverbs 22:28-29

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil,

Who put darkness for light and light for darkness

Who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.

Therefore as tongues of fire lick up straw

   And as dry grass sinks down in flames,

So their roots will decay…

- Isaiah 5:20, 24

Psalm 53 starts with the verse "The fool says in his heart 'there is no God'."  I was thinking about this verse this morning, and realized it is so easy to see when others live out that verse.  It's much harder to see it when I am guilty of it.  Upon reflection, I realize that while I may spend time in prayer and scripture, in church and in fellowship, so very often time away from those activities is spent - not deliberately, mind you - in ways that demonstrate just that.

Do I sometimes worry?  I do - and doesn't worry imply one doesn't trust that God is in control?  And if I doubt God is in control, don't I doubt His very nature?

Do I sometimes wish my life were different than the one I have?  Perhaps more money, a different job (or any job, for that matter)?  I do - and doesn't that suggest I doubt God's choices for me?  And if his choices aren't better than mine, don't I doubt His existence?

Do I sometimes compromise God's word by trying to reconcile it with what the world teaches?  When the world tries to teach my children that evil is good and good evil, do I avert my eyes, and neglect to "direct [your] children onto the right path [so that] when they are older, they will not leave it"? (Pro 22:6 NLT) And in doing so do I not reject the very concept of God?

So while it may be easy to see foolishness in others, the truth is, I am that fool.  And as Isaiah says in the verses above, one certain result is the decay of my roots - the weakening of the foundation on which my life, and the lives of those that depend on me - my wife, my children in particular.

Father we confess our foolishness, the denial of your existence, made manifest in what we do and do not do, in what we concede and do not reject, in what we condone and do not change.     Give us eyes, ears, hearts and minds that see, sense and know clearly that You exist, and that You are God.  And may we live our lives as testament to that truth.