“God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne.” (Psalm 47:8)

How can we say that God reigns over the nations when every nation on the face of the earth does its own thing? Each nation orders its affairs as they please. They all don’t seem to follow the Lord’s direction in any way. 

When we look at history, we see ancient nations that were in many ways similar to the nations of today. They lived as they pleased, not thinking of God nor His requirements. But we see that God was active in the midst of the nations. 

God expects leaders to act justly and show mercy. But he allows them to make their own choices and gives them sufficient warnings as well. He also allows them time to act, repent, and come to alignment with His requirements. These “warnings” may be through various means. Sometimes through direct prophecy, natural calamities, or by way of other nations bringing conflict. 

In various ways, God speaks to the nations dictating them to his ways. This he does because he is King over all kings and has ultimate authority. 

Even today, God speaks to every nation on earth directing them to his ways. God wants them to do justice, show mercy, and walk humbly before God. Things are no different from the past – Each nation does as they wish. But God remains on his holy throne. 

In a similar way, God speaks to us. He instructs and guides us in his ways. Ultimately, he wants a relationship with each one of us. That is his ultimate aim. 

So the invitation is open to everyone. The God who reigns over the nations sits on his throne, but he loves each person and wants a relationship with us. How will you respond?

Vision Received

Vision is given to those who will take it to heart and live it out in their lives. Some try to make an impact using the vision. Others simply try to make a living using the vision. Still, there are those who try to get ahead of others at any cost. Some are out to create a Monument to themselves so others remember them as a great person who accomplished the vision. Then there are those who simply wish to be obedient to the call of God on their lives. 

Vision Grown

God usually gives His vision in a capsulated form, and rarely in its fullness. Through various experiences, God begins to expand the vision. Actually, God expands the person’s heart through painful experiences. Once the heart expands, there is more room to accommodate God’s vision. 

Vision Accomplished

Vision may be time-bound, where it is set for a particular time. It may also be focused on a particular goal that is quantified and reachable. Vision can also be an ongoing process. This becomes more like a Mission statement that is the set purpose of an organization. Such a vision is an ongoing process. 

Jesus set the vision for his disciples and expected them to make disciples of all people. This is an ongoing task for generations to come. We’ve got to live for the vision that God has set for us. Anything less will never satisfy. We’ve got to make our choice. We don’t get another chance.

Not happening. Not possible. How can we be still with all that’s happening around us? How about in our own lives? It’s too much. There’s no way to be still. 

“Be still, and know that I am God.

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth!”

The LORD of hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

(Psalm 46:10–11 ESV)

Another way to look at this concept is, “Be still because I am God.” As God, he has the final say. Whatever anyone else says, God’s perspective is final. Anything that others would do can be undone by God. Just because he is God. So be still. 

Be still because God will be exalted among the nations. Nations seem to wield a lot of power. It’s the power of the collective force of wealth, knowledge, wisdom, and cooperation. Those are some of the basic things that exalt a nation. But after a while, nations can become arrogant and think they can do anything (practically). But God always has the upper hand over all nations. So, be still. 

Be still because God will be exalted on the earth. The forces of nature seem to have a mind of their own. Rain, floods, Cyclones, Hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, and other natural calamities are beyond our control, but God has ultimate power over the earth. He created it. The forces of nature can be fierce and fearful. But our God has ultimate control over nature. So be still. 

Be still because the Lord of hosts is with us. This means he rules the unseen army of angels that God created to be at his service. This Lord of hosts is with us. He is our father. We are his children. All the resources available to the Father are also available to us. So be still. 

Be still because the God of Jacob is our fortress.l He will be our defense against all that comes against us. Yes, you will have enemies. You’re in a war. That’s why the Lord of hosts (the armies of heaven) is with us. Since we are in a war, there will be attacks, calamities, and even casualties. That’s part of warfare. But God is our fortress. We can run to him anytime. He gives strength, energy, and protection. So be still.

“Of course, I love God with all my heart. Who else could I love so much but God?” These are our words and thoughts. They’re good thoughts. They sound even better.

“Have you not just now called to me, ‘My father, you are the friend of my youth – will he be angry forever, will he be indignant to the end?’ Behold, you have spoken, but you have done all the evil that you could.” (Jer 3:4,5)

The prophet Jeremiah dealt with people who spoke words like we speak. They said to God, “My father, you are the friend of my youth.” they clearly expressed their love for God.

But now, their land was about to be taken over by foreigners. This was truly a fearful experience. They don’t have any hope for a normal life. They knew the experiences of other nations, and they knew what horror awaits them.

Yet they could not imagine that such horrible things would happen to them. After all, they were the people of God. They were God’s chosen people out of all the nations on the earth. Such terrible things could not happen to them.

Their hearts were devoted to God, but their actions proved the opposite. They worshipped God in the temple with all the sacrificial requirements but continued with their evil practices. They were known as the people who worshipped Yahweh, but they didn’t live like the people of Yahweh.

Their heart was a two-way heart. One part was devoted to God and the other part simply deviated to their own ways. You simply couldn’t predict which way they would turn.

But did God love them? Of course, they were loved by God. The promises to their forefathers still held value. This is why God brought correction to them. He sent them away for 70 years because of God’s love for them.

God just could not tolerate a two-way heart. He wants them to be devoted to him only. A one-way heart was what God expected.
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Righteous living isn’t always profitable (in the short term). Getting ahead in the game is the game – or so it seems. Those who cut corners and make appropriate “adjustments” are quite often the winners. They get applause and accolades. The system is rigged in such a way that only those who “play the game” get ahead and stay ahead.

But due to your unwillingness to move with the crowd, you’ve been sidelined, ignored, or even ridiculed. Others have been asking what is wrong with you, and now, you’re wondering what’s wrong. Your stand for righteousness seems to have brought more trouble on you than the good that you expected.

The psalmist clearly recognized that God is on the throne and that He deals with righteousness. Due to his stand for righteousness, he endured numerous hardships and dangers. But he was not deterred in any way. He knew that God is the king of all the earth and that he rules with uprightness and loves righteousness.

“Your throne O God is forever and ever. The scepter of your Kingdom is a scepter of uprightness; you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions” (Psa 45:6-7).

So if living upright brings you loss, stay with it and make sure your ways are righteous. There is no need to “get ahead” when the king of all the earth is on your side. When God makes his decisions, he does it with uprightness. He’s not influenced by those who push themselves forward for favors or recognition.

As you keep your ways aligned with God’s ways, God’s attention and favor will be turned toward you. He will anoint you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.

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