The systems of our world are appearing more and more vulnerable. Mortgage and bank crises have undercut consumer confidence. Terrorist attacks around the world have sparked new fears. Corrupt politicians and religious leaders have continued to breed cynicism. And the struggling economy around the globe has caused many to become fearful and stressed. These feelings of vulnerability and doubt have some Jesus-believers wondering if God is still the King of all.
Many years ago, when the effectiveness of God’s reign was doubtful in the minds of His people, the psalmist penned a royal psalm to reassure them that they could feel secure because the Lord was still king. He began the psalm with, “The Lord (Yahweh) is king!” (Psalm 93:1). He used God’s personal and covenant name to indicate who was reigning. It was a name that communicated to God’s people that He would reign forever and would always keep His people safe. The psalmist was also declaring that there was no other god who qualified to be king besides the Lord.
The Hebrew text actually reads, “The Lord is becoming king.” Wait! Was he saying that there was a time when He was not king? Absolutely not! With this pronouncement, the psalmist was stating that the effectiveness and the assertion of the Lord’s rule had once again become real to His people. After their view of Him had been temporarily clouded by turmoil, chaos, and uncertainty, they were renewing and accepting His reign and enthroning Him in their hearts (v.2).
Although we think it doesn’t seem like it at times, the Lord does reign over creation and chaos in the world (vv.3-5). Even more, He desires to dwell in and reign over the hearts of His people. Let’s enthrone Him anew today and yield to His kingly rule over all aspects of our lives.
More:
• Exodus 15:1-18
• Psalm 99:1-5
• Daniel 4:34-35
Next:
What life issues threaten your security? How does God want us to view our fears and vulnerabilities?
joyce on October 2, 2009 at 10:23 am
Some people in Biblical times followed Jesus expecting Him to take political control as a conquering hero. Some followed Him expecting Him to multiply bread so they would never go hungry. But Jesus came as a carpenter with no place to rest His head because He came to break our dependence on the things of this world.
God fortold of the tribulations we would face, but reassured us that we should “be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, Matt. 24). He is in control. We have to let go, and trustingly follow a King who is out of this world!
pkcare777 on October 2, 2009 at 7:15 pm
Today, we in the Philippines are experiencing super typhoons one after the other. I was even deeply touched by yahoo news on one woman who said: “We’re praying very hard that the super typhoon will spare us,” said housewife Nita Solita, 42, who was living in a makeshift evacuation centre in Manila after losing her home in the floods. “I don’t know what’s happening to our country.”
I am deeply saddened to hear this but I was blessed by the line in the article which says: He would always keep His people safe. Amen! We will not be shaken for our God is King! Let us continue to be still and know that He is God! In an attitude of prayer, let us continue to pray for those affected around the world.