“Thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting.”
(Psalm 93:2)
Psalm 93 is written for the comfort of the Church and the strengthening of our faith because before any mention of threat, instability, or opposition, the psalmist declares this governing truth: the Lord reigns.
Whatever powers arise to trouble the people of God, it is of no consequence. For God Himself remains the great Governor of all. This reality is the ground of our confidence and comfort. The Church is never left to measure her safety by the strength of her enemies but by the reign of her God. “The Lord reigneth” is our answer to fear.[1]
The strength and reach of earthly rulers may appear impressive, especially when those powers oppose Christ’s kingdom. Their resources seem vast, their influence decisive. But the believer is not left without a counterweight. Against the pomp of earthly rule, faith is called to recognize the glorious, everlasting government of God.
The apparent strength of the opposition must not terrify the believer because earthly strength is always borrowed. It depends on alliances, resources, opportunity, and time. God’s strength depends on nothing outside Himself. He is clothed with strength. His power is inherent. For what the creature possesses by grant, God possesses by nature.
The fact that the world is upheld, governed, and restrained reveals the wisdom and power of God. And the same power that sustains creation is employed more particularly in establishing and preserving the work of God’s people. The world exists for the sake of God’s redemptive purposes, so it is upheld because God is at work within it for His Church.
God’s kingdom does not waver because He does not waver. His rule does not expire because He does not age. From everlasting, He is God. Every opposition is temporary. Every threat has an end. God does not. His throne stands where it has always stood, unmoved by the noise of nations or the rage of men.
Psalm 93:2 teaches the Church that her confidence and rest are to be found in the God whose throne predates all opposition and will remain when all opposition has passed away.
Contemplations:
- God’s reign answers all fear. Before I consider my enemies, I must consider the Lord who reigns. That truth does not remove difficulty, but it reorders my response to it. I am thankful that the safety of the Church does not depend on circumstances, but on a throne already established.
- Earthly power looks strong because it is visible. Rulers, systems, and institutions may appear solid, while God’s rule seems distant to the senses. Yet Scripture teaches me that God is clothed with majesty. His authority does not need to proof.
- God’s strength is not borrowed. Every created power depends on something outside itself. Resources dry up. Support shifts. But God’s strength does not fluctuate. He is clothed with it. I am thankful that the Church is upheld by a power that cannot weaken, and that my obedience rests in the strength of the Almighty.
- The age of God’s throne steadies my heart. God’s throne exists eternally, so infinitely longer than any power that now troubles the Church. I am thankful that every opposition I face has already been conquered and the God I trust is from everlasting.
Prayer (thanksgiving)
Everlasting God, I give You thanks that Your throne is established and has never been shaken. Before any kingdom rose, before any power opposed You, before any threat troubled Your people, You were already reigning. I thank You that Your authority does not react to events, but rather governs them.
I thank You for the comfort this gives Your Church. When enemies rise and strength appears against us, You remain the great Governor of all. I am grateful that the safety of Your people is not measured by their weakness or by the might of those who oppose them, but by the fact that You reign.
I thank You that Your majesty outshines every earthly splendor. Rulers may impress the eye, but they fade. Yet You are clothed with majesty that does not dim. I am thankful that You are glorious whether acknowledged or denied.
I thank You for the order of the world, which reflects Your wisdom and power, and even more for the way You employ that power in preserving Your Church. The world continues because You uphold it, and Your people are preserved because You are faithful.
I thank You that Your kingdom is ancient and settled. New rulers rise, and their reigns pass quickly. But Your throne remains. I am thankful that my confidence does not have to shift with the times, because You are from everlasting.
Receive my gratitude for being the God who reigns without interruption. Let my heart rest where Your throne rests and let my faith draw strength from Your eternity.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References for Psalm 93:2:
Psalm 90:2, Psalm 9:7, Psalm 45:6, Gen. 21:33, Lam. 5:19
[1] David Dickson, A Brief Explication of the Other Fifty Psalms, (London: T.R. & E.M. for Ralph Smith .., 1653), 355–356.
