The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. 2 The LORD looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. 3 All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. 4 Will evildoers never learn--those who devour my people as men eat bread and who do not call on the LORD? 5 There they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is present in the company of the righteous. 6 You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the LORD is their refuge. 7 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!

The wise man Solomon, said that the beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. When he wrote about life, its meaning and purpose, he concluded by saying that the whole [purpose, duty, reason for existing] of man is to fear God and keep his commandments. Since God made us, created the entire world and the universe around us, it is he alone that gives meaning to life and all that we experience. To ignore God in the pursuit of understanding is to act foolishly and is a fatal mistake.

But God does not just give us reason for living but he gives us reason for joy at the moment and hope for the future. He lifts our load and forgives our past. Jesus said that if we come to him he will give us rest. His yoke (implies that we have work to do for God) is easy and his burden is light. Compared to this world and all it has to offer and the side effects of that lifestyle, living for God pays tremendous rewards every day we live. This does not take into account the joys of eternity.

It is only a fool who can ignore the God who loves us and gave his Son to die for us. God wants nothing but our good. God wants to take us as a young child and wrap his tender loving arms around us and give us peace and comfort that only he can give. He wants to bless us with blessings beyond our imagination. He gives us the assurance that he will always be with us and never allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear and then will give us a way of escape. Only a fool will ignore this God!

I thank you God, my heavenly Father, for your boundless love, your tender mercy and your endless forgiveness. I thank you for giving your Son to die for my sin. Open my heart so your presence will always be with me and that my eyes will always be focused on you and your royal throne. Thank you for hearing my prayers and for the answers you give. Forgive me for being selfish and give me faith to empty me of myself so that I can live for you. Help me to live so others will see Jesus in me. In His name.