A World Established

Psalm 93

One verse in this Psalm stood out: “Your throne was established long ago, You are from all eternity” (:2). Think of it – God has always been. The Bible tells us He is Yahweh, the self-existent One. It is very hard for our human minds to wrap themselves around that truth, limited as we are by time and space. However, this short Psalm of only 5 verses reveals some wonderful thoughts about our God.

“Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea – the Lord on high is mighty!” (:4). The writer has just described a terror similar to what we sometimes see on TV – storms that displaced boats and cars, trees and rocks, destroying buildings and flooding folks out of their homes. These seas, described in verse three, actually typify rebellious uprisings against God Himself. And we see this happening in our world today. Yet, our God reigns!

Our hope is in the Lord. Along with this man who wrote with such assurance about God at least four thousand years ago, we can sing with certainty “The Lord reigns. He is clothed in majesty” (:1) His kingship is seen in all the glorious beauty of holiness, something which doesn’t often colour earthly reigns. We are advised to “Worship the Lord in the beauty of His holiness” (Psalm 96:9 KJV). Why?

Ryrie notes that as the Psalmist exults in the Sovereignty of God, the One who is enthroned above the floods and who dwells in the temple of holiness, he is also anticipating the millennial reign of the Messiah. The fact that the Lord’s throne was established in eternity past gives assurance that it will continue forever….and the holiness that “adorns Your house” will do so forever – “for endless days, O Lord” (:5).

This pure and perfect God reigns with a holy plan for the world He has created. The theme resonates throughout these Psalms “the world is established” (96:10). Furthermore we are given a glimpse into why. God’s throne is established….solid, secure. To establish means to set up on a firm or permanent basis. Also “The world is firmly established”! …just in case there is any doubt. In fact, “it cannot be moved” (:1).

Reflection:

How did the Psalmist know that? It is a fact given to him by faith, that the One who created all things remains in control of His creation! That almost makes one giddy with excitement! We surely have nothing to fear. In spite of pestilence and war, we can trust our great God. Without having the New Testament to refer to (Hebrews 1:3), the Psalmist knew God sustains everything according to plan. Hundreds of years after the Psalm was written, this truth remains fixed in the heart of those who believe in God (Hebrews 1:3). Praise God, Jesus will return to a world that is secure.

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)