Restore

From Psalm 14

The fool says in his heart, "There is no God."...
...The LORD looks down from heaven on the sons of men
to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God...
...God is present in the company of the righteous...

...You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor,
but the LORD is their refuge...

...Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!
When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people,
let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!

I don't believe in atheists.

Everybody believes in something. All people, I believe, choose to place their faith in something outside themselves. Anger, fear, frustration and pain may keep people from acknowledging their faith in God, but I'm just not sure that anyone actually shakes their deep-down knowledge that God is with us.

That doesn't mean that people who openly believe don't get frustrated, too. Sometimes that same anger and fear gets hold of our old broken places and can just wear us out.

Psalm 14 is a "lament" against the power that "evildoers" sometimes seem to have in this world. Really, it goes even a step further, reminding us that none among us are without sin, and that we've all got our own share of brokenness.

What matters is who we believe in, and who we are becoming.

Salvation...restoration...healing...these things all come from the Lord. Faith in Jesus isn't just a business transaction, it's the beginning of a whole new life. Watch for the places where God is "restoring" your life today. Rejoice and be glad!

Prayer: O God, may you make us a part of the "company of the righteous." Forgive us where we have fallen short and restore the fortunes of your people. May we not turn aside, but always turn to you.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. World without end. Amen.

Tomorrow's Scripture: Luke 15:1-10