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Psalm 53  
For the director of music. According to mahalath. A maskil of David.

The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good. God looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. Everyone has turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. Do all these evildoers know nothing? They devour my people as though eating bread; they never call on God. But there they are, overwhelmed with dread, where there was nothing to dread. God scattered the bones of those who attacked you; you put them to shame, for God despised them. Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad.

The pure atheist concludes that God is not in the picture. Man is the measure. Humankind alone is in charge of the universe (however it came to be). Self-worship is the religion of choice. Indulgence is the mission of life. It all ends in undeniable death, but after that…nothing. 

The practical atheist proclaims that God does certainly exist. They will sing the songs and do the church stuff. God’s name is mentioned often (“Oh, my God!”) But, quite honestly, there is no allowance for the Mighty One to play an active role in their lives. Well, unless, of course, there is a great need.

David says that both brands of atheism are foolish. How can one not believe in a Creator? How can one believe in a Creator and not bow before Him?

Father, don’t let me acknowledge You then ignore You. Help me to experience an active, intimate, day-to-day, relationship with You, the living God. In Jesus’ name. Amen.