A Psalm That is SO Relevant to Today!
Psalm 2:1-3 is a verse that is SO relevant today:
Why are the nations so angry?
Why do they waste their time with futile plans?
The kings of the earth prepare for battle;
the rulers plot together
against the Lord
and against his anointed one.
“Let us break their chains,” they cry,
“and free ourselves from slavery to God.”
It seems that everywhere we look, nations, companies, organisations and governments are rising up in direct, bold and arrogant opposition to God, His plans and His ways. It's easy to become fearful and discouraged when thinking about the magnitude of what is going on in our world today. BUT, here's what the next part of Psalm 2 says:
But the one who rules in heaven laughs.
The Lord scoffs at them.
Then in anger he rebukes them,
terrifying them with his fierce fury.
Nothing gets in the way of what God is doing and is going to do! Nothing is too hard for Him! Nothing will ever succeed against our God! And God is going to come against all the evil that exists in our world.
Now as a side note - it's vital to remember in all this that our battle is not against flesh and blood. While we see a lot of evil going on in the natural realm around us, what we are witnessing is actually demonic activity. Therefore, it is vital that we don't come against people, but against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. We pray for those blinded to and serving these evil forces, but we do not attack them. God loves them just as much as He loves you and me. But the main point of this is that God laughs in the face of evil! That should be such a comfort to all of us in this time!
What I also love is verse 8 of this Psalm:
Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance,
the whole earth as your possession.
You will break them with an iron rod
and smash them like clay pots.’”
Those of us who are Christians have been given the task of being Jesus' representatives on this earth. We have the incredible opportunity to partner with God (if we are willing) to bring the Kingdom of Heaven to earth and see God's plans and purposes prevail over the plans of the enemy. I have been reminded that I need to continue to pray and ask God for the nations of the earth. We need to get on our knees as His children and ask for our nations, because even when we can't see it, we are on the winning team! We serve the God who laughs in the face of evil! We do NOT shrink back in fear. We pray, and we decree and declare God's plans over the nations of the earth, and if we do, it will break the chains of the forces of evil, releasing God's plans and purposes into this world! But as the church, we need to wake up, rise up and take our rightful place as sons and daughters of the King, smashing the plans and purposes of the enemy with the power and authority that is available to all who are in Christ. The enemy should be TERRIFIED of God's children!
This Psalm finishes with this profound statement:
Now then, you kings, act wisely!
Be warned, you rulers of the earth!
Serve the Lord with reverent fear,
and rejoice with trembling.
Submit to God’s royal son, or he will become angry,
and you will be destroyed in the midst of all your activities—
for his anger flares up in an instant.
But what joy for all who take refuge in him!
God is inviting all of us to go deeper in our relationship with Him, to develop a holy reverence for who He is, and to give our all (in other words, die to self) in order to truly serve Him. But what joy for all who take refuge in him! While we must die to anything that is fleshly in our lives, the joy and blessing available to all who will do and make God their refuge is indescribable.
May the richness of this Psalm encourage and challenge you today.