Читать книгу Reflections on the Psalms - Steven Croft - Страница 25

The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’Corrupt are they, and abominable in their wickedness.

‘God is in the company of the righteous’ (v.5)

This psalm is not concerned with the theoretical atheism that challenges faith today but with the practical outcomes of living as though God did not exist. The psalmist laments the way in which the world seems entirely to be run on human selfishness and self-centredness. As he sees it, there is no one who does good, and he grieves at the cost of wickedness, a cost that is borne chiefly, as it so often is, by the poor (vv.4,6).

But along with mourning comes judgement. The selfishness of the wicked reflects a fundamental lack of wisdom. Those judged corrupt fail to recognize that, from a heavenly perspective, all the children of earth are made to be responsible for one another. Those who reject this heavenly wisdom create a sterile and joyless world.

Yet God does not give up on the world of his creation. He is present in the company of the few who do act justly and he continues to protect the helpless. In small ways his people still bear witness to the joyful promise that God holds out to humanity, a promise that will come from Zion. From a Christian viewpoint, this is a prophecy that looks towards the age of the Messiah, the coming of the king of righteousness and peace. For us, it means that our small daily efforts to live fairly and responsibly are infinitely worthwhile.

Reflection by Angela Tilby

Refrain:

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Prayer:

God of heaven,

look with mercy on all who are consumed by ignorance and greed,

and let the children of earth know

that you are God for ever.