Readings for today: Psalms 81, 88, 92, 93
Human beings have always hated chaos. Some of our earliest mythologies present the gods as bringing order to chaos. Typically, order comes about through a cosmic conflict whereby “chaos” is defeated and dismembered thus bringing the universe into being. When the ancient Hebrews looked out on the Mediterranean Sea, all they saw was chaos. It’s why they often depict chaos using water imagery. The waters of creation over which the Spirit of God hovered. The waters that covered the earth during Noah’s flood. And the waters that roar and surge in Psalms 93. “The waves roar, O Lord, the waves roar, the waves roar and crash. Above the sound of the surging water, and the mighty waves of the sea, the Lord sits enthroned in majesty.” (Psalms 93:3-4 NET) This is one of the many things that sets the Hebrews apart from their ancient near east neighbors. They don’t believe God has to fight some cosmic war to bring chaos to heel. He already sits enthroned above the flood. The waters can roar and foam and surge all they want but they present no threat to God. He simply speaks and order is brought to chaos.
I find this thought extremely comforting as did the Psalmist. The world often feels chaotic. Humanity is almost always at war. The pain and suffering we experience is real and overwhelming. Armies march. Economies crash. Pandemics rage. Storm systems spin. Drought and famine create a harvest of death. But the Psalmist lifts his eyes above it all to see the Lord enthroned on high. He knows God reigns and His throne cannot be moved. The Lord is robed in strength and majesty. His will is sovereign and reliable. No matter what we experience in this world, we can trust Him for He has always been and always will be king.
When you experience chaos in your life, where do you turn? Do you turn, like the Psalmist to God? Do you place your trust in His sovereign will and strength? Do you look to Him to bring order to the chaos of your life?
Readings for tomorrow: 1 Chronicles 7-9