Verse of the Day 11/9

Psalm 99:1 The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble!
    He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!  English Standard Version (ESV)

No matter who won the election for President of the United States last night, half of the country was going to be disappointed and fretting about the direction the country would be heading over the next four years.  The times were going to look dark for one side or the other.  Today's verse is another reminder from the psalms that even in times of change, upheaval and possible turmoil, God is still seated on His throne, unshaken by the turn of events.

We should not feel like this political uncertainty is anything new.  I read the following quote, written by John Newton, the author of Amazing Grace, written back in 1779:

"The times look awfully dark indeed; and as the clouds grow thicker--the stupidity of the nation seems proportionally to increase. If the Lord had not a remnant here, I would have very formidable apprehensions. But He loves His children; some are sighing and mourning before Him, and I am sure He hears their sighs, and sees their tears. I trust there is mercy in store for us at the bottom; but I expect a shaking time before things get into a right channel--before we are humbled, and are taught to give Him the glory.

The state of the nation and the state of the churches--both are deplorable! Those who should be praying--are disputing and fighting among themselves! Alas! how many professors are more concerned for the mistakes of government--than for their own sins!"

I like how The Message puts it "He towers over all the big names".  There are a lot of "big names" in our society, rulers of countries and all kinds of celebrities who feel that they are important, "big" in their own eyes.  The passage reminds us that He towers over them all.

We may give the victor their due, but it is only for a season and we should remember that they are not truly "in control", God reigns from above, He will be in charge long after any politician or candidate.

Revelation 19:6 Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,

"Hallelujah!
For the Lord our God
    the Almighty reigns.  English Standard Version (ESV)

Blessings,

Mike

Psalm 99The Message (MSG)

99 ^1-3 God rules. On your toes, everybody!
He rules from his angel throne—take notice!
God looms majestic in Zion,
He towers in splendor over all the big names.
Great and terrible your beauty: let everyone praise you!
    Holy. Yes, holy.

^4-5 Strong King, lover of justice,
You laid things out fair and square;
You set down the foundations in Jacob,
Foundation stones of just and right ways.
Honor God, our God; worship his rule!
    Holy. Yes, holy.

^6-9 Moses and Aaron were his priests,
Samuel among those who prayed to him.
They prayed to God and he answered them;
He spoke from the pillar of cloud.
And they did what he said; they kept the law he gave them.
And then God, our God, answered them
(But you were never soft on their sins).
Lift high God, our God; worship at his holy mountain.
    Holy. Yes, holy is God our God.

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