by Desiree Bustamante

While we wait, God is near and in control.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“We thank you, O God!
    We give thanks because you are near.
    People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds.

God says, “At the time I have planned,
    I will bring justice against the wicked.
When the earth quakes and its people live in turmoil,
    I am the one who keeps its foundations firm. 

“I warned the proud, ‘Stop your boasting!’
    I told the wicked, ‘Don’t raise your fists!
Don’t raise your fists in defiance at the heavens
    or speak with such arrogance.’”
For no one on earth—from east or west,
    or even from the wilderness—
    should raise a defiant fist.
It is God alone who judges;
    he decides who will rise and who will fall.”
Psalm 75:1-7 New Living Translation

This Psalm was written when the kingdom was divided and crumbling after Saul’s reign. David inherited a government of parties and divisions who were competing for power and people who opposed his coming rule. He warned those who opposed God’s law of coming judgment and thanked God for always being near to His people.

This Psalm could be written today. Throughout the earth we see power struggles, wars, violence and political defiance. Yet the Lord is near to us through it all. He protects His people and His church no matter the circumstance, no matter the person occupying the throne, no matter the political system in power. The Lord endures longer than anything man will ever establish. He endures forever.

When life seems to be going so well for the wicked, the words of this Psalm give reassurance of God’s justice in His timing, not ours. God is also merciful, for He sent His Son Jesus Christ to save the whole world from utter ruin by saving His people from their sins. Trust God who is in total control!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado