The Lord Reigns

The Lord Reigns
written by Chris Baker

The Psalmist declares in Psalm 97, “the Lord reigns” (NIV). He reminds us from the start that God is in control, which should create joy in our hearts. I cannot help but think of the arrogance of some today. How often we forget who sits high above the earth. 

Listen to how the Psalmist describes God’s glory. “2 Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. 3 Fire goes before Him and consumes His foes on every side. 4 His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles. 5 The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth.6 The heavens proclaim His righteousness, and all peoples see His glory” (Psalm 97:2-6).  

Think of the power of a storm. Who can stop it? Who can control gale force winds, devastating lightening or loud soul-piercing thunder? The Psalmist says the earth sees these things and trembles. We are at His mercy, humbled by the sheer power. Think of consuming fire. Who can control the raging fire that rips through the forest and consumes everything in its path? The Psalmist says that God consumes His enemies on every side. Think of the mightiest mountains in the world. Look how tall, massive, majestic and immovable they are. The Psalmist says they melt like wax before the Lord of all the earth. The heavens proclaim the righteousness of God and we all see His glory. 

It amazes me how nature can instantly humble us. Have you ever been on the sea when a raging storm ensues? Who is a match for the power of the sea? Who can control the crushing winds and the mighty waters? The Lord can! Jesus spoke a word and the winds and sea quieted. All of nature is subject to the Lord. My point is, at times, we think we have control and power. We think we are wise, crafty, untouchable and then we experience the power of God through nature. We are humbled simply by the elements of nature, yet we think we are more powerful or wise than God. 

Take heart dear brother or sister. This is the God we serve! He is no fool, He is not unaware of the devil’s schemes. The wicked are no match for Him. Listen to the words of verse 10, “let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of His faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked” (NIV). You are secure in the hands of the Lord. What do you need to be afraid of in view of His authority? What could possibly overtake you that is too mighty for the Lord (Romans 8:31)? We serve a mighty God, full of love and compassion. Take heart, He sees you, hears you, knows the number of hairs on your head (Luke 12:7), saves the tears that you cry (Psalm 56:8), knows your coming and going because our God knows you intimately well! 

Praise Him today! Rejoice in Him! Praise His holy name! Do not listen to the lies of the enemy and do not be discouraged by the arrogance of some. Nothing is more powerful or elevated higher than the Lord our God!  We are to have no part in hate or vengeance. Scripture says that vengeance is the Lords (Romans 12:9). I think we can see that God has that covered. The Church, however, is called to prayer.

The Church is to love their enemies, pray for them (Luke 6:27-36), do good to them and leave the vengeance to God. Jesus modeled this example for us on the cross. People beat, mocked, even killed Him and yet He prayed for them. Jesus prayed that His Father would have mercy on them (Luke 23:34). Who do you need to pray for today? I know who I need to pray for. This devotion has reminded me not to get bent out of shape by ignorance. Rather, I should pray for them. 

Today I pray the Lord would humble my heart. God is big enough to take care of Himself, my job is to pray. I pray that all would come into a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. I pray the Lord would continue to humble my heart and remind me of His Son. May I seek to model Jesus in all that I do. I often fail miserably at this, but I will never give up! Each day is new, and His mercies are new every single morning! I rejoice in You today my King. I praise Your holy name O Lord! I worship You today Jesus! Please continue to give me a heart like Yours. In Jesus name. Amen.