“Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his anointed, saying, ‘Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.’ He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision.” Psalm 2:1-4
I am sure the Lord is laughing today. People, political parties, and nations think they have power. Are they kidding? God has all the power and he uses people, political parties, and nations to accomplish his purpose for history. How he will use these means today and especially in the next four years in accomplishing his ultimate purpose of establishing his kingdom in a new heaven and a new earth where he will dwell with his people forever (Revelation 21), we do not know, but what we do know is that God is in control of his world. His purpose will be accomplished.
“I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” Job 42:2
On the other hand, I am human and it’s easy for me to be discouraged when I see my country being destroyed by ungodly leaders who appear to be in control. Then I remember that God has power to change this country. I can’t change anything. I am just one person with no position or power. No, I have no power in myself, but the Holy Spirit who lives in me has plenty of power. I don’t have to sit idly by and say, “Well, God is in control. There is nothing I can do.” God uses nations, political parties, and people to bring about his purpose for his world. He might even use you or me!
If God wants to use me, he can empower me to:
Become informed on the real issues this country faces – not the frivolous ones.
See the issues I can help with – not just the ones that are fun for me.
Repent of my sins – not just accuse others of their sins.
Ask for the filling of his Holy Spirit – not just information. Surrender to his will – not to my own ideas.
Act as he directs – not just wring my hands.
Remember that the battle is his - not my fight.
As a child, I learned the old hymn This Is My Father’s World. When I get discouraged, I sing this hymn. Especially the third verse. If you know it, you might want to sing it along with me as you read this blog.
This is my Father’s world,
O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong be oft so strong,
God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world:
The battle is not done;
Jesus who died shall be satisfied,
And earth and heav’n be one.
Didn’t that encourage you?
Rosemary,
ReplyDeleteThat is one of the many hymns I learned in public school. I can still smell the mimeograph paper. It was a very different time. A time when 3rd graders were taught harmony while learning hymns. Now we have difficulty living in harmony. "Rage in VAIN...." what a good description of the waste of time rage is. We must pray. Allowing opinions to invade my heart is unwise and interferes with the Truth who owns my heart.
Creator, King, Victor. How absolutely useless is rage! Thanks for reminding me of the privilege of being taught hymns in school. A different time.
I love that hymn and haven’t sung in it a long time! Thank you for sharing this wonderful reminder that our Creator God is in control of all things. Your blog puts into words what has been on my heart - to be used by God in such a time as this - as He sees fit - trusting that He will provide all that I need to do His will. Many thanks, Rosemary. Blessings on you!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rosemary for reminding me of this song - I hadn't sung it in decades. It is indeed our Father's world - and we are His as well. No need to fear when both are true. (But we do, anyway, sometimes). That's why the psalmist said, "when (not if) I am afraid, I will trust in You."
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