Believe in God
1 (To the chief Musician upon Mahalath, Maschil, A Psalm of David.) The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.
2 God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God.
3 Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
4 Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread: they have not called upon God.
5 There were they in great fear, where no fear was: for God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee: thou hast put them to shame, because God hath despised them.
6 Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.
Believe in God
As king of the nation of Israel, David surely had numerous times when he had to deliver words of comfort, faith and encouragement. Throughout this nation’s history, they had been surrounded by hostile enemies, engaged in violent attacks and held captive or exiled from their native land. In Psalm 53, David passionately speaks to God’s chosen people, defining the true nature of their adversaries who do not believe in God and giving hope that their God will deliver them. David starts with a strong verbal rebuke against anyone who says in his heart, “there is no God” (53:1). He calls them a fool. During these ancient times, most people actually worshipped many gods. But the nation of Israel introduced monotheism, the belief in only one true God, Yahweh. David, therefore, was referring to all enemies of Israel who want to destroy them for their religious faith. He calls them corrupt, for they have done abominable iniquity.
“There is none that doeth good”(53:1). David reminds the listeners of the days of Noah when God looked down from heaven to see if any man understood and sought God. God could find none who were righteous. “Everyone of them has gone back, all were filthy” (53:3). The scripture says “their thoughts were evil continuously” (Genesis 6:5). David repeats with emphasis, there is none that doeth good, not one (53:3).
Now he speaks in the voice of God, asking, “Do the workers of iniquity have no knowledge?”(53:4). This question suggests that these fools’ disbelief in God is not necessarily due to a lack of intellect or comprehension. No, their lack of faith is in their heart. “They eat God’s people like they eat bread” (53:4). They have not called upon God. David assures his people that he saw that they were in great fear, but assured them that there was no reason to fear. He confidently tells how God scatters the bones of their enemies, puts them to shame and has despised them. He shouts their deliverance is coming. “Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion” (53:6). He ends with these positive and jubilant words of prophecy foretelling a victorious nation. God will bring back the captives and restore them. Jacob shall rejoice and Israel shall be glad.
Christians are known as believers because of their faith in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and that the Bible was written by holy men inspired by the one true God. You will hear many testimonies of how people came to their salvation. All will agree that they were saved by grace through their faith in Jesus. The Bible says, “believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shall be saved” (Acts 16:31). I thank God for the measure of faith he has given me, and I know that He can do the same for you. There are many logical reasons to believe in God. Just look around at His glorious creation in the skies and all of nature. Also, look inside yourself, inside your eternal spirit and know there is something connecting you, the real you, to a loving Creator. I believe if you seek, you will find the truth (Matthew 7:7). So, keep searching in the word of God and continue opening your heart to hear the truth. I believe, like me, you will know the truth and the truth will make you free.
I would love to hear what this Psalm brings to mind for you! Write back to me in Facebook comment or blog reply.
Disclaimer: The intention of this project is not to teach, but rather to share. Please use due diligence in studying the word of God, and seek guidance from your local religious leaders for any questions or concerns.
Debra Hill
Debra Hill is an independent inspirational singer, author, songwriter, and writer. As a blind performer, she adds a personal story of God’s faithfulness. Her life exemplifies that Christ’s power will work to lift all regardless of circumstances.
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