The Lord Still Rules

THE LORD STILL RULES

a prayer to open

Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true.

Here’s my life, Lord. Speak what is true.

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?”

But the LORD is in his holy Temple;

the LORD still rules from heaven.

He watches everyone closely,

examining every person on earth.

The LORD examines both the righteous and the wicked.

He hates those who love violence.

He will rain down blazing coals and burning sulfur on the wicked,

punishing them with scorching winds.

For the righteous LORD loves justice.

The virtuous will see his face.

There are times we feel under attack, as though threats to our safety and our fundamental beliefs are being lobbed at us from all directions. In this psalm, the attack comes from the taut bows of the wicked and the collapse of law and order. In our lives, it’s sickness, job loss, family disputes, systemic injustice, economic downturn, governmental uncertainty. Whatever the threat, though, it’s clear the psalmist would have the same response: “The LORD still rules from heaven” (verse 4). No matter the chaos or uncertainty, no matter what bows are aimed at us or what foundations of the world collapse, the Lord still rules. And God examines our hearts in the midst of this chaos, searching for those who remain faithful, stay open to his soft whispers, and continue to love in the face of hardship and hatred. How might our lives be shaped if we could say with confidence, no matter the circumstances, “The LORD still rules from heaven”?

• Read this passage again slowly. What word or phrase stands out to you? Why do you think that particular word or phrase speaks to you? What does it say?
• What is currently threatening your sense of security, peace, or overall well-being? What thoughts or fears keep you up at night? What comfort does the truth that “the Lord still rules” bring?
• What do you sense God is seeking to show you about who he is in the midst of the threats you are currently facing?

Lord, give me strength to stand firm against anything and everything that threatens my deep sense of well-being. I know that in you I have life and peace and that nothing can separate me from your love—nothing. When outside circumstances or internal struggles pull at me and seduce me into thinking my foundation is shaky, remind me again and again that you rule. You still rule. You still rule from heaven. You are my stronghold and my safety. No matter how chaotic the world seems, you still rule. May I have a heart that stays true, hears your voice, and reaches out in love. Amen.