The Fool

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Psalm 14; Luke 12

Notice the development of some of the main ideas of Psalms 14 through 16:

Psalm 12: The psalmist cries, Help!
Psalm 13: The psalmist asks, How long, O Lord?
Psalm 14: The psalmist says in effect, it would be foolish to believe that God isn't there!
Psalm 15: The psalmist asks, How can I get to you, O Lord?
Psalm 16: The psalmist declares, You are already here with me.

Here we have a godly man preaching to himself when doubt seems to be creeping in. What causes people to doubt God?

1. Suffering. Times of hardship can make you ask the questions, Does God care? Does he even exist?
   
2. Science. You may have heard it said that science has disproved the existence of God, but that is not true. Science without a moral compass is lethal. Science can answer what happened and how it happened but not why it happened.
3. Separation. How can a God of love sentence people to a place of eternal death? Separation is a an essential part of both creation and judgment.
4. Sin. The dreadful things that the church has done in the name of God may make people doubt God. Because of such people and actions the name of God is blasphemed among the nations. Some want to cast off all restraint and live as if they didn't have to answer to anyone. If God is greater than we can possibly imagine, humans are much worse than we can possibly imagine. Do you think you're basically a good person? Don't believe your own propaganda. All of our best intentions are tainted by self-interest. 

"But the Lord" (Psalm 14:6) is one way to summarize the gospel. If you are struggling with doubt due to any of these four causes of doubt, let the reminder of Psalm 14:6 encourage you.

Questions for personal reflection and/or group discussion

1. Which of these four things (suffering, science, separation, sin) causes doubt to creep into your mind?
2. In the progression of some of the main themes of Psalms 12-16, where do you find yourself? For example, are you crying out to God for help? Asking how long this situation will last? In need of good reminders that God really is there? Asking yourself how you can get to God? Boldly declaring that God is already with you?
3. In which circumstances do you find yourself in which the words "but the Lord" are exactly what you need to hear?

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