God is still on His throne.
Do you ever forget that?
I know I do sometimes. It's a crazy world out there, and it seems like it's getting crazier – evil is more evil, fear is more fearful, persecution is more persecuting…
Everything feels a little out of control.
I feel out of control.
Evidently, even if you're a man after God's own heart, you can feel this way.
Today's "Bible Pick 'Ems" was written by David (I will be sharing it in two parts):
"I trust in the LORD for protection.
So why do you say to me, 'Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety!
The wicked are stringing their bows
and fitting their arrows on the bowstrings.
They shoot from the shadows
at those whose hearts are right.
The foundations of law and order have collapsed.
What can the righteous do?'" (Psalms 11:1-3)
David was forced to flee for his life several times. Yes, he was God's anointed king – but that didn't spare him from injustice and hatred from others. This psalm may have been written when he was being hunted by Saul (1 Samuel
18-31), or during the days of Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 15-18).
In both instances, David did run away – but he didn't run as if all was lost.
In the first part of this psalm, David seems to be speaking to those who are advising him to run from his enemies. His advisors were focused on the frightening circumstances and crumbling foundations.
David was focused on God.
Hear his response:
"But the LORD is in his holy Temple;
the LORD still rules from heaven.
He watches everyone closely,
examining every person on earth…
The virtuous will see his face." (Psalms 11:4, 7)
David had faith – faith in a God whom he knew was greater than anything his enemies could bring against him.
David knew God was in control.
Still in His Temple – still ruling from Heaven.
Faith in God keeps us from losing hope – and it helps us resist fear.
God is not diminished by ANY turn of events.
NOTHING catches Him by surprise. NOTHING happens without His knowledge and His permission.
That, my friends, consoles me greatly.
It's true that this crazy old world is getting crazier. And believers will not be shielded from difficult circumstances. God's Word tells us that this will be so. But God's Word also tells us how to deal with it.
When the foundations are shaking and you want to run away and hide – run to God.
OK, the wicked might be stringing their bows and fitting their arrows on the bowstrings. They might be taking potshots at us from the shadows. Even the foundations of law and order might be collapsing (watched the news lately??)…
Fear not.
I have a feeling that God is still sitting on His throne – a throne that He told us we can approach BOLDLY!
"So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most."
(Hebrews 4:16)
God's rule provides stability in the midst of panic. And, because we trust Him, we can face our problems.
David knew it – and so can we.
God is still on His throne…
And we will see His face!
“When in doubt, search God out!”
Sitting here at my desk watching what news transpired as I slept last night. What a perfect, perfect, lesson for this morning.
ReplyDeleteI found myself lamenting that "The good guy never wins anymore" this week. Then I remembered that that thought is exactly what the Enemy would have me think. I need the truth of the Word to take that incorrect thought captive to Christ.
I am always so encouraged by reading about David, yes a man after God's own heart, but not without struggles.
ReplyDeleteThis is so encouraging, Sharon. Yes, not matter what God is still on His throne.
Hope you enjoyed your blogging break - I sure enjoyed mine.
Blessings,
Joan
Yes, God is still on his throne and in control. And am I ever thankful for that.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you - Marsha
Reading the Psalms always encourages me. I'm glad you picked this particular one because it fits for me just now in my life. God is still in control. I think that sometimes we tend to forget that He is the God of all...the exact same God who cared for David--He loves and cares for us...What an awesome reminder for this day!!
ReplyDeleteBeth
Amen that he is on his throne! Always has been, and always will be! That is very comforting indeed!!
ReplyDeletebetty
Sharon - you hit so many Words that are on my list this week in particular! Especially the idea that God is not surprised. In a funk about feeling that I disappointed God, a friend who was collecting my tears made me sit up straight when she said that God can't be disappointed because that would mean He was surprised at something I did - and NOTHING surprises God! Ya! God IS on the throne and loves me no matter what! His ways are so gentle in discipline and instruction. Feeling sidelined presently as He is doing a work in our leadership - pray for church leaders everywhere - it's not about me, it's about a call to support the work He's doing in leadership in these last days to better equip the saints to do the work of the ministry! GRACIOUS - that is my response - or rather, that is how I'm called to respond - with GRACE no matter how surprised and disappointed I am - and hurt - God is not. He is - as you say - ON THE THRONE!
ReplyDeleteSorry for the soapbox.
Love ya!
Kathy
This past week has been a real challenge for me. There have been *issues* on many fronts. It's sorta been Battle Central with me and the enemy. I needed to read this post again - God needed to say these words to my heart yet again!
ReplyDeleteAnd your comments became a way for Him to encourage my heart, too. Thank you so much for what you've said.
Yes, may we all (especially me right now) KNOW that God is in control - He still sits on His throne - and there is NOTHING that surprises Him. It's all on His calendar - and He is firmly making our lives move according to His purposes - we just need to TRUST Him!
GOD BLESS!