Psalm 53 - Broad or Narrow Look

Did you ever take a broad look at a situation and either see that it was amazing or that it was a disaster...only to later find that it wasn't quite what you saw?



Sometimes when we look broadly at a situation we only see a small piece of what is really happening and miss the details or discount them.

² God looks down from heaven
      on the entire human race;
   he looks to see if anyone is truly wise,
      if anyone seeks God.
 ³ But no, all have turned away;
      all have become corrupt.
   No one does good,
      not a single one!

You can certainly see the discouragement and complete black and white perspective. I was actually reminded yesterday in the message at church that psalms are musical poems...designed to appeal to the emotions and are therefore over-the-top...very much like a persuasive argument.

The truth is, that ALL have not turned away and become corrupt. There were still followers of God, including the psalmist, but the psalmist is trying to influence people around him to think about God and choose righteousness.

As you read this psalm, you should see it as motivation to evaluate your life...don't see it as a discouragement on life, but a motivator.