10.8.24

This week we are looking at the majesty or the power of God from Psalm 33. Few of us doubt that our God has great power. But functionally, we all live and act as if that power is limited in its scope (he can only do so much) or limited in its application (he could help me, but probably won’t).

But our Psalm reminds us that God’s power has no limits. Whatever he wills happens. There is no disparity between what God desires and what comes to pass. One of the implications of this is that God’s power is inescapable. As the Psalmist tells us, his plans stand firm, therefore he foils the plans of the nations and its people.

The implications of this are staggering. Because what it means is that nothing that is happening is outside of God’s control. Far too many Christians act as if all is lost in our nation and we need to fight to take back control using politics, guns, and insurrection. They act as if God needs our help - as if God doesn’t quite have it covered. And we all struggle in similar ways in the midst of our own personal struggles, to rest in the goodness of God - his powerful provision.

But what the Psalmist is telling us here is that what you see unfolding around you IS the display of God’s power - as it IS, and not as you might want or think it to be. Everything that is happening in our world today - in your life today - is the direct display of God’s power - the realization or application of every facet of his many attributes. God is not slow or distracted or waiting on us for help. He is unfolding and displaying his glorious power with every event that takes place.

If you want to know what God’s power looks like, just stop and look around you. It’s unfolding every moment of every day. And while we may not always understand it - or like it, God is working to apply his character and will upon everything that comes to pass.

Without the power of God, his mercy would be mere pity for our troubles. Without his power, his promises would be mere wishful thinking and empty sentiments. Without God’s power, his threats of judgment would be worthless hot air.

The implications of this also take on a cosmic application. In other words, because the reigning reality of our world is the truth of God, the justice of God, the mercy of God, every time we act in a way that goes against that reigning reality, we are on a collision course with God himself. When we lie, we are on a collision course with the very fabric of the universe - because that universe is controlled by a God of truth. And though we don’t always immediately see the implications of our choices, every choice, every action that goes against that reigning reality pushes us further and further from being able to reflect that very same character in our own hearts.

When you couple the great power of God, with his great love displayed on the cross, you have a combination that creates the environment for great trust - hope - and rest.