A Forever Kind of Ongoing
Earlier in the year, there was a particular song that seemed to be making its way into the speakers more than others. Maybe it was the song's majestic message. Maybe it was the rhythmic chant that was just the right amount of catchy. Or maybe it was because it prompted some smaller voices in the background of our lives which we could hear singing or chanting or talking, exclaiming, “my God reigns.” Those three words could be heard while someone was amidst getting ready for bed; they could be heard as one daughter went up the stairs; they’ve even been heard coming from the back of the car when there's a moment of quiet. These words come from William Murphy’s song “You Reign.” When I heard one of those smaller voices repeating Murphy’s lyrics, I could not help but pray that God would cause their hearts and voices to declare those same three words 10 years…20 years…70 years…each of their tomorrows (however many days God has planned for them) down the road.
As I read Psalm 47 the morning after the election last week, there they were again – Murphy’s words from the Psalmist – in verses 7 & 8:
“For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise. God reigns over the nations; God is seated on His holy throne.”
My God reigns! “Our God reigns!” Lord, You reign, above all the earth. It was the reminder needed that day. It is the reminder needed every day, every hour. Too often, we set our eyes on the things of the world that we forget that God reigns. Too often, the eyes of our hearts get set on certain aspects in life that cause our gaze to be on the created more than the Creator. That sort of worldy-gaze? It can be a good thing or cause; it could be a bad thing or cause. Either way, too much gaze on the created causes the ways of our God to grow dim in our hearts and minds. So, Christian, “turn your eyes upon Jesus; look full in his wonderful face; and the things of earth will grow strangely dim; in the light of his glory and grace”. And, don’t fret, Christian - God reigns. This is a blessed assurance, for there’s no transition of power on this throne. His reign is ongoing. This ongoing? It is a forever kind of ongoing.
Are you trending more towards hope because of particular outcomes or circumstances? Remind yourself, “my God reigns”. Keep your gaze on God. Are you trending towards despair because of particular outcomes or circumstances? Remind yourself, “my God reigns”. Keep your gaze on God. Take a few moments today to pray that God will cause you and each person in your household’s heart to declare, “my God reigns”. Listen to Murphy’s song; sing along to it; use the three words, “my God reigns” to pray adoringly – quietly in your heart or out loud. For God is the King of all the earth!
Written by Warren M. Grimm