God is Still on the Throne

Do you have any verses that you just return to over and over again? The ones that never get old and constantly are a source of revelation and encouragement? (If so, please share!)

For me, one of those is Psalm 29:10–11. Here’s what it says:

“The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
the Lord is enthroned as King forever.
The Lord gives strength to his people;
the Lord blesses his people with peace.”

Can you take a moment and imagine this verse? If you close your eyes, what do you picture?

For me, verse 10 conjures a powerful image. Right now, the world is suffering through tragedy after tragedy. I imagine all of these events as harsh rapids, rushing waves, beating up against God’s throne. The sea is raging below; it’s strong enough to make any of us go under.

But I imagine the legs of God’s throne as strong and sturdy. No matter how much the water bashes against the legs with all its fury and might, no damage is done. Even after months, years, decades, and centuries of the raging floods beating against God’s strong and sturdy throne, there’s zero erosion. His rule and reign are secure. Nothing and no one will ever be able to change that.

I love that Psalm 29 doesn’t end there. Over the years, human beings have understandably developed some trust issues when it comes to authority. There have been some wonderful and benevolent rulers, but there have also been horrific despots and selfish tyrants. So this idea of God being an immovable, eternal ruler could be a terrifying concept if you don’t know his character.

Verse 11 helps us understand who this eternal being is. God doesn’t use his rule to harm people. He’s not a tyrant or a dictator parading around demanding his way, demeaning his people, or subjecting them to suffering. He is a good, loving, and gracious father who strengthens his people. He makes peace — supernatural peace — available to us when it shouldn’t be possible.

How does that make you feel?

The past few years have been incredibly trying, and yet I still have this kernel of hope underneath it all because our God is so good. He’s not out of touch sitting on his lofty throne — he sees our struggles, he knows our fears, and he sticks by us through it all. When we draw near to his eternally-secure throne of grace, he takes our anxiety and replaces it with peace. We just have to be willing to come to him.

I am so grateful that we serve a great God who is eternal and compassionate, secure and gracious. In the middle of a turbulent time, these verses are a reminder that he is ultimately worthy of our trust.

What verses are you finding particularly comforting in this season?

How does knowing God’s character affect your perspective?