Just around the time Coronavirus was first reported in Kenya, I spend some time with a friend talking about Psalm 93:1, so when Chris (Navigators Kenya, National Director) asked me to share some thoughts for this season, I was reminded not only of this verse, but also of the whole chapter.
Psalm 93:1. The Lord reigns; he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed; he has put on strength as his belt. Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.
As we continue navigating these challenging times, times we never anticipated would happen in our lifetime, it is easy to lose our focus on God’s reign. God has been reigning, is reigning and will continue to reign- with power and majesty! Therefore, the world stands firm and cannot be shaken. It is not because mankind has found a solution for everything!
Psalm 93: 2. “Your throne is established from of old…”
God continues to reign in power, in love and in mercy. If God withdraws his reign there will be utter disorder, so even in our seeming disorder, God has set things in order. He reigns through governments that have set COVID-19 control measures in place, through communities where people are looking for ways to make the best of their circumstances, and in many other ways. He is still in charge.
V 3: The floods have lifted up, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their roaring.
The Psalmist calls on the Lord when the waves are drowning out all sounds of hope, it feels hopeless! At a time like this, we are prone to wonder, where is God? Why is he not doing anything about COVID-19?
When Sennacherib wrote to King Hezekiah, his claim was that the gods of the other nations had not saved them from him and that God would not save Judah. Hezekiah prayed this prayer before the LORD: “O LORD, God of Israel, you are enthroned between the mighty cherubim! You alone are God of all the kingdoms of the earth. You alone created the heavens and the earth.” 2 Kings 19:15. He stood on the steadfastness of God’s reign, an eternal reign full of power.
V 4: Mightier than the thunders of many waters, mightier than the waves of the sea, the Lord on high is mighty!
We know that the waves are big and mighty, they can easily overpower and sweep over us but we also know that he is mightier than these waves- the thunder of the mighty waves cannot overcome our God.
Finally, Psalm 93: 5.Your decrees are very trustworthy; holiness befits your house, O Lord, forevermore.
The word of the Lord stands forever! Are we engaging in scriptures during this time? God’s unchangeable word makes us holy, by it we are made wise, by it we are sanctified. Our faith stands on our obedience of his word, our holiness comes as we are sanctified by the Word and as we are sanctified, we experience the reign of the holy King now and in eternity. His word is a firm foundation, he who reigns forever doesn’t change his word ever.
While reading through the book of Jeremiah, I have encountered a people looking for God’s word in conformity to their desires, I saw in them a reflection of myself. How often I have wanted God’s word to conform to my deepest desires; desire that this season would end sooner than it began; that we will bounce back and pick up from where we left, and many other thoughts.
Maybe you are like me in this. I am encouraged that God who reigns has given me his reminder in Isaiah 30: 15 “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.” Will you and I have any of it? Or will we seek the help of man?