How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings. (Ps. 36:7)
The permanent restraining order hearing had begun. The accused man, represented by no one, sat slouched at the defendant’s table, displaying obvious contempt for the judge and the person seeking protection. The judge asked him, “Sir, do you wish to participate?” The accused got up to speak.
“Y’know, I’m not going to contest this. Yeah, I messed up and lost my temper—a bit. But I want the court and everybody here to know . . . I no longer consider myself a Christian and don’t believe in God anymore.”
What struck me when I heard this was the realization that he made this statement under oath. There was no longer any ambiguity about the nonexistence of his faith.
The writer of Psalm 36 lamented the contempt the wicked have for God. There is no fear of God in their hearts, and they express nothing but belligerence for the Lord’s claims upon their hearts and souls. They don’t believe they’re doing anything wrong and cannot grasp the extent of their damaging words and behaviors.
But even the malicious people in our lives are not beyond redemption. The young man who spoke these words of renunciation can still repent and experience saving faith in Jesus Christ, and find the merciful arms of God ready to receive him. Let’s never give up on anyone.
Pray for someone today who you have considered beyond salvation.
Doug Schmidt is a freelance content developer living in Denver. His favorite thing to do is to sit in comfortable chairs and “download the day” with his wife.
