Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed one. 3 "Let us break their chains," they say, "and throw off their fetters." 4 The one enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. 5 Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, 6 "I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill." 7 I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: He said to me, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father. 8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. 9 You will rule them with an iron scepter; you will dash them to pieces like pottery." 10 Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

This is one of the Psalms that has a dual reference. The first is to the king of Israel at the time (probably David) and the second is to Christ as the chosen king and Son of God. In fact, verse seven is quoted twice in the book of Hebrews and once in Acts to prove that Jesus is chosen of God. In these passages Jesus is said to be above the angels, to be chosen by God as our high priest and to be raised from the dead to be our eternal Lord.

While this is undeniable prophecy, the first application of the Psalm is intended to show us that God is in control. While mankind has always believed they controlled things, this has never been true. In the garden of Eden Satan deceived Eve into thinking that she could be as wise as God. This same deception has continued since that time. In our determined egotism we convince ourselves that we control the governments, that we control the environment, that we control the destiny of this world. God is in control. There is never a nation or even a ruler in a nation that rises or falls outside the will of God. He uses both the righteous and the wicked to carry out his plans. This same God has a plan for each of our lives. He wants to move us closer to him so that we become more like him and thus honor him.

O God, please help me to never fret, worry or be anxious about this world. Open my eyes so that I can know that you are in complete control. Give me strength to endure the hardships that come my way. Please give me wisdom and greater faith as I study your word so that I can properly apply it without questioning your wisdom and guidance in my life. Fill me with your Spirit so that I may learn to love, even as you love me. I pray in Jesus name.

May God bless each of us with his guidance in our lives today.