Rebellion or Rejoicing?

My friend Anthony and I recently began a shared devotional on the book of Psalms. Early in the morning, one would call the other up, read one chapter, share related scriptures and passages from Inspiration, and personal reflections.

The first one we did (on Psalm 1) was very helpful that I was able to share the thoughts in church also for our AY Program. Today, we did Psalm 2, which on the whole talks about the futility of rebelling against God and the blessedness of continually trusting in Him.

Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? 

The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, [saying],  

Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.  

He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.  

Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.  

Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.  

I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, 

Thou [art] my Son; this day have I begotten thee.  

Ask of me, and I shall give [thee] the heathen [for] thine inheritance, 

and the uttermost parts of the earth [for] thy possession.  

Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.  

Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.  

Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.  

Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish [from] the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed [are] all they that put their trust in him.  

Psalm 2:1-12

When we look at how things are carrying on in the world around us, we may sometimes wonder how come evil seems to prosper, especially among the most influential and powerful in the world. Yet, there is nothing for us to fear because God has not closed His eyes. He sees and He is still in control of everything.

According to the hymn that Sis. Arlene and I sang for our morning worship today, 

"This is my Father’s world. O let me ne’er forget

That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet."

Though, for a season, it may seem like the world is ruled by man and his evil heart, yet just as the vision of Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel tells us, Christ is our rightful king and all these other kingdoms will be dashed to pieces.

The Lord takes charge of His work in the world and of His work in our individual hearts. Let us not fear, but trust, for in trusting we find strength to obey. In trusting the Lord's faithfulness, we can live in harmony with His perfect will. And in that perfect will, there is designed for us rejoicing. In choosing our own way, no matter how right or logical or practical that way may appear, we will always meet with disappointment and frustration. It is a vain thing to rebel against God. But the end of obedience to Him is rejoicing. There is joy in serving the Lord. Always.

This is my Father's world; why should my heart be sad?

The Lord is King; let the heavens ring.

God reigns; let the earth be glad!