Abiding in the PsalmsSample

Put God in His Place

The psalm starts with a simple but powerful declaration ‘The Lord reigns’. It refreshes and sets our perspective of God. He reigns in all things, at all times. It is not a new phenomenon, nor will it ever change - ‘Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity’ (v2). We can so quickly forget who God really is, but by placing Him where He should be, as totally and completely sovereign, it sets the groundwork for a renewed trust and faith in Him.

The writer uses metaphors of the ocean to convey God’s power. Even the great, unstoppable seas bow and worship His name. He is mightier than the storm and the waves. Jesus proves this when he calms the storm (Mark 4:35-41). 

“They [the disciples] were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” Mark 4:41

Who is this? This is our God! This is Yahweh, the author of creation, who breathed life into dust, who delivered Israel from Egypt and defeated death. This is The Lord who is seated in heaven, unmatched in glory, who spoke light out of darkness. Why shouldn’t the wind and waves obey Him? What could they possibly do that He has not made them do? How could they ever spend one moment in disobedience to how He tells them to behave?

When we become people who place God where He’s meant to be, our perspective on everything shifts. He is our rock and our safe place. Life isn’t always easy, but is the battle you’re facing bigger than your God? Never. Will the dark time you’re in last forever? Definitely not. We need to be people that believe in the God that can change a life in an instant. The God that has given sin an expiry date. God is in control and what could possibly overcome Him?

Questions

Do you trust that God is fully sovereign?

Are there things you feel God isn’t in control of? What are you worried about?

How can you hand those over to Him and trust Him with them?

Pray

Dear God, you reign over everything. You sit in heaven unchallenged as you always have and always will. There’s nothing as powerful as you. All of creation bows at your command. Help me trust you with everything. Amen.