Forrest Gump is a 1994 film about a mentally challenged man’s epic journey through life, meeting historical figures, influencing popular culture, and experiencing first-hand historical incidents while largely unaware of their significance.  Forrest Gump was not stupid.  The quotes are still recognized as simple yet profound to the world. 

“My mama always said, ‘Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” – Forrest

“You have to do the best with what God gave you.” – Mrs. Gump

“Have you found Jesus yet, Gump? – Lieutenant Daniel Taylor

“I didn’t know I was supposed to be looking for him, sir.” – Forrest

“Stupid is as stupid does.” –Forrest

This iconic film presents life lived unredeemed and completely on your own.  God is only “out there somewhere”.  We do stupid things in this life when we try to live life without the Creator of all, who is in all, and above all.  “The fool says in his heart, there is no God”, says the Psalmist, David.  Without God, we do stupid things.  I done my fair share.  With God, we see a new perspective on life.  With God we have wisdom to make better choices.  With God we learn from our mistakes.  With God, we learn how to love unconditionally like He loves.  With God, we are saved and made whole through Jesus, His Son.  With God’s Holy Spirit, we have help to live life expectantly, skillfully, peacefully, and courageously.  A fool lives life without God. 

“God is looking for someone who is not stupid–one man, even, God-expectant, just one God-ready woman.”  Is that you?  Is that me?

Worship and Wisdom, Psalms and Proverbs

A David Psalm

^1-2 Bilious and bloated, they gas,
    “God is gone.”
It’s poison gas—
    they foul themselves, they poison
Rivers and skies;
    thistles are their cash crop.
God sticks his head out of heaven.
    He looks around.
He’s looking for someone not stupid—
one man, even, God-expectant,
    just one God-ready woman.

³ He comes up empty. A string
    of zeros. Useless, unshepherded
Sheep, taking turns pretending
    to be Shepherd.
The ninety and nine
    follow the one.

⁴ Don’t they know anything,
    all these impostors?
Don’t they know
    they can’t get away with this,
Treating people like a fast-food meal
    over which they’re too busy to pray?

⁵ Night is coming for them, and nightmare—
    a nightmare they’ll never wake up from.
God will make hash of these squatters,
    send them packing for good.

⁶ Is there anyone around to save Israel?
    God turns life around.
Turned-around Jacob skips rope,
    turned-around Israel sings laughter.

TRUTH:  God turns life around.  Be still, let go and let God turn our lives around.

Proverb 19:2-3, The Message

Ignorant zeal is worthless;
    haste makes waste.

³ People ruin their lives by their own stupidity,
    so why does God always get blamed?

WISDOM:  It’s not God’s fault when we go out on our own—and fail.

Abba Father,

You are God and we are not. You created us, know us inside and out.  You know what makes us tick for you knew us in the womb.  Because of your infinite, limitless, unconditional love you redeemed us through Jesus.  Thank you, dear Jesus.  While we were yet sinners, you died for us.  Forgive our fickleness as believers at times when we strike out on our own without you.  We learn that is stupid.  We need you ever hour, every hour we need you.  Cleanse our hearts. Shepherd us.  Change our minds. Fill my soul with Your Holy Spirit. Transform us to be all you had in mind for us from the beginning.  We ask for your wisdom, insight and understanding so we can live life expectantly and fulfilled.  Thank you, Lord.  I’m yours.

In Jesus Name, Amen