Recognizing the Need for God.

By Jeff Arnette “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good.” (Psalm 14:1)     The psalmist’s words may strike us as severe. To call someone a “fool” for denying God’s existence feels blunt. But the Bible often uses strong language to reveal deeper truths. Here, a “fool” isn’t merely a person who lacks intelligence. Instead, it describes someone who lacks the wisdom that acknowledges God’s reality and authority over creation. This denial of God leaves them vulnerable to poor judgments, leading them down paths that harm themselves and others.     When we rely on human understanding alone, our decisions often fail us. But as believers, we’re blessed to have access to God’s guidance through His Word and the Holy Spirit. Guidance for Our Journey     Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would guide us into all truth (John 16:13). And through the psalms, we’re reminded that God’s Word illuminates our path (Psalm 119:105). God’s guidance is a precious gift, leading us away from folly and into life-giving wisdom. We can approach each decision with confidence, knowing that He desires to guide us. The Corruption of a Foolish Heart     The Bible speaks plainly about the consequences of rejecting God. To deny His presence and guidance doesn’t just lead to personal harm; it ultimately separates us from Him (Heb. 2:3). It’s easy to think of “fools” as people who reject God outright. But at times, we may notice areas of our own lives where we ignore His guidance, choosing our way over His. In these moments, we must return to the Lord with humble hearts, seeking His wisdom over our own. A Call to Love and Compassion     Jesus never called us to judge or mistreat those who lack faith. Instead, He urges us to respond with compassion. It’s a gentle reminder that, without Jesus, we all fall short and face the same condemnation. Our hope rests not in our righteousness but in His grace. Let us remember to approach others with empathy, knowing we, too, are recipients of undeserved mercy (Rom. 3:23; 10:9). Reflection     Take a moment today to reflect on areas where you might be tempted to rely on your own understanding rather than seeking God’s guidance. Ask for the Holy Spirit’s wisdom in your decisions and for a heart that humbly acknowledges His presence. May we also extend grace and compassion to others, recognizing that we all stand in need of God’s mercy.

- Jeff Arnette preaches for the Central Haywood church of Christ, Clyde, NC.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: https://centralhaywoodcoc.com/ **