On April 1st, watch what you hear and see. It could be a prank or a joke, something someone devised to make you an April Fool. Most of the antics on this day are simple and fun. And you, typically, might only fall for one or two. But don't fall for the greatest of fools' bait.
Psalm 53 opens with this declaration: "Fools say in their hearts, 'There is no God.'"
When you study Psalm 53, you also study Psalm 14. They're almost identical. It could be they both are rewritings of another, original source. Psalm 53 could be a newer version of Psalm 14. Or they could both be words used at different times matching particular events. Whatever the case, the fool's actions are unmistakable.
There is, of course, what the fool has decided in his heart. As Jesus reminded us, what's in the heart comes out in how we act (Mark 7:20-23). The psalmist has witnessed those perverse acts. And there is one more act of fools the psalmist sees. This action seems to be at the heart of the psalm. These fools, evildoers "eat up my people as they eat bread." The word used to eat could mean to, literally, eat something. Figuratively, it can mean to consume or destroy something.
No one wants to get caught the fool on April 1st. More importantly, we don't want to be foolish enough to think God will overlook how we care for or ignore the needs of God's people. So, consider a few questions when you read and reflect on Psalm 53. How are people consumed today? How do our actions or inactions destroy livelihoods and the wellbeing of God's people?
As you go through your day, be mindful of how injustice, neglect and indifference impact the world around you. Don't be a fool! Call on God for help and commit to actions that reflect God's care for others.
Stay blessed...john | 
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