Our God Is King

The news is filled with reports of nations infested with chaos, uncertainty, and cruelty. Unfolding events in Ukraine, Syria, and North Korea serve as examples of this gl0bal epidemic. The tragic results of humankind’s rebellion against his Maker are on display for all to see. Yet against this backdrop the Bible boldly declares a truth of inestimable comfort–the Lord is sovereign ruler over all. We therefore have the assurance he is working all things according to his perfect ends. There is a set of Psalms that particularly underscores this. This grouping–Psalm 47, 93, and 95-99–has been referred to as Psalms of the Lord’s Kingship. Each one highlights the rule of God in magnificent, eloquent ways. Since Psalm 47 is one of the featured selections in yesterday’s Discipleship Journal Bible Reading Plan, its message has been impressed on my heart once again. Note the references to joy as God is exalted as King over all the earth: Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy! For the LORD, the Most High, is to be feared, a great king over all the earth. He subdued peoples under us, and nations under our feet. He chose our heritage for us, the pride of Jacob whom he loves. God has gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet. Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm! God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne. The princes of the peoples gather as the people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God; he is highly exalted! (Psalm 47, ESV) In the midst of a troubled world, we have the confidence that the Lord is King; that he reigns over all nations; that he indeed is seated on his holy throne. We therefore can join with the Psalmist and clap, shout and sing to such a glorious God. May our lives be marked with this joy today. -Pastor Greg