“Clap your hands, all peoples!
Shout to God with loud songs of joy!
For the Lord, the Most High, is to be feared,
a great king over all the earth.
He subdued peoples under us,
and nations under our feet.
He chose our heritage for us,
the pride of Jacob whom he loves.
God has gone up with a shout,
the Lord with the sound of a trumpet.
Sing praises to God, sing praises!
Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
For God is the King of all the earth;
sing praises with a psalm!
God reigns over the nations;
God sits on his holy throne.
The princes of the peoples gather
as the people of the God of Abraham.
For the shields of the earth belong to God;
he is highly exalted!” Psalm 47
“For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
Nation fights nation, each strutting political, economic, or military swagger to establish their supremacy and to best or destroy another. Tribe attacks tribe, party battles party, institutions wage conflict against institutions. But the King of kings reigns over all, as Ruler and Shield against dark forces and the forces of men. Men of earth are subdued in a moment by the God of heaven. (Ephesians 6:12)
In unsettled times, under shaky authorities, on crumbling moral or trembling economic foundations, we can hold secure in the Most High. As Shield He hems in His own, guarding our eternal inheritance and keeping our lives. He is a trustworthy Ruler who reigns in infinite power, wisdom, and goodness. (Psalm 11:1-5; 91:1-6,11,14-16; 139:5; 1 Peter 1:3-4)
Has our worldview shrunk to provincialism, where we think God is all about us? How need we expand our understanding of the King of kings and ages, and more widely intercede for and trust His sovereignty and care? Has my scope of prayer narrowed on only my life, my people, my interests, or am I worshiping, and seeking, the Lord of every nation and tribe? The shield of His promises and banner of His love cover His children of every tongue and generation. (Philippians 2:10-11; Revelation 7:9-10)
To broaden our view and knowledge of the Ancient of Days is to expand our love and concern for His world. Taking time to familiarize ourselves with His hand through history and way with nations as revealed in His word will aid us in recognizing His work in the world today. Paying attention to His expansive majesty in creation helps us recognize our smallness against the vastness of His love and realm. Would we, with confidence, plead for keen spiritual sight, heart willingness, and Spirit-heightened awareness to promote and exalt His supremacy in all the earth? (Psalm 8:3-6; Daniel 7:13-14)
“Beautiful Savior! Lord of the nations!
Son of God and Son of man!
Glory and honor, Praise, adoration,
Now and forevermore be Thine!” ~Joseph A. Swiss (1823-1904)
Lord, cause me to be still and know that You are God over all nations. May my life exalt You in my corner of the earth so Your praises extend to its end. (Psalm 46:10; 48:10)
As the rain and snow 