A Theology of Prayer - Struggles in Prayer

Study 221

Text: Psalm 53

(I) LOUD ATHEISTS

It seems as if there are more and more vociferous atheists who go out of their way to proclaim why they do not believe in God. Three common themes may be highlighted:-

1. They blame God for all that has gone wrong in the world

2. Blame is also attached to God when natural calamities occur

3. Sin can cause even religion to become corrupted; this makes people avoid any desire to believe in God

(II) NOT A NEW PHENOMENON AT ALL

The problem of atheism is not a new one. The following text demonstrates this.

“The fool has said in his heart,
‘There is no God.’
They are corrupt, and have done abominable iniquity;
There is none who does good.” Psalm 53:1
This psalm was written as contemplation (meditation) by King David. Even in ancient Israel this problem of atheism surfaced.

(III) WHY DO PEOPLE DENY GOD?

The psalmist David offers these suggestions:-

1. The fool

David was aware that many atheists declare believers in God “fools.” He offers a counter-suggestion. The atheist himself is “the fool.”

2. The fool’s declaration

a) Is a mere declaration a fact?
b) Does the mere declaration of unbelief cancel the existence of God?
The answer is pretty obvious! It is almost embarrassing to have to state the answer!

3. The problem of personal sin

David suspects that the person who denies the existence of God does so, because he does not want to think about being accountable for his corruption and his abominable iniquities!
The dismissal of the idea of God makes it “easier” for the individual to continue to live in sin!