Kenneth Samuel: God Still Rules
"Thou rulest the raging of the sea." - Psalm 89:9 (KJV)
Rage and rulership are not often viewed as being very compatible. Raging situations can make us feel that no one is in control.
A raging child can have parents looking desperate and sometimes feeling helpless. A raging class of students can be a teacher's worst nightmare. A raging spouse or partner can render you unable to respond until the tempest subsides. A raging Congress signals high degrees of exasperation and frustration among the general populace.
Yet despite all of our anxieties and trepidations regarding rage and outrageous scenarios, the Psalmist reminds us that God's control is not limited to or dependent upon our control. Our extremities are surely God's opportunities, for even the unharnessed, uncontrollable, uninhibited raging waters of the mighty deep are under the sovereign reign of Almighty God.
This doesn't let us off the hook for taking responsibility for ourselves and the things that we can manage. It does remind us, however that even when circumstances are out of our control, it does not mean that there is no control. It just means that the control is not ours.
Here are the words to a classic gospel song:
"Though the storms keep on raging in my life, and sometimes it's hard to tell the night from day Still that hope that lies within is reassured, as I keep my eyes upon the distant shore I know [God] will lead me safely to that blessed place [God] has prepared.
But if the storms don't cease; and if the winds keep on blowing in my life My soul has been anchored in The Lord."
Listen to Douglas Miller sing "My Soul Has Been Anchored" on YouTube
Be assured this day, that no matter what goes right or what goes wrong, God is still in control. And since God controls the rage, God can use the rage for our good.
Prayer
Dear God, in the midst of so much rage and chaos, grant us peace and direction in the assurance of your sovereignty. Amen.
Taken with permission from the UCC Still Speaking Devotional.Visit UCC.org