Kenneth L. Samuel: God Still Rules
"Thou rulest the raging of the sea." - Psalm 89:9
Rage and rulership are not often mentioned in the same sentence. Outrageous situations give us the sinking feeling that no one is in control.
A raging child can have the hearts of parents quivering with feelings of helplessness. A raging spouse can render a person speechless. A raging Congress signals high degrees of anxiety among the business community and the general populace.
But despite the many scenarios that are utterly out of our control, the Psalmist tells us that the rulership of God is not limited to green pastures and still waters. And perhaps it is only when we acknowledge our lack of control that we really begin to trust the God who is always in control.
This doesn't let us off the hook for taking control of ourselves and the things we can manage. It does remind us, however, that even when circumstances are completely out of our control, it does not mean that there is no control. It just means that the control is not ours.
Here are the lyrics to the classic gospel song, "My Soul Has Been Anchored":
Though the storms keep on raging in my life
And sometimes it's hard to tell the night from day
Still that hope that lies within is reassured
As I keep my eyes upon the distant shore
I know he'll lead me safely to that blessed place he has prepared
But if the storms don't cease
And if the winds keep on blowing in my life
My soul has been anchored in the Lord.
Prayer
Lord, in midst of stormy situations and tempestuous times, manifest your sovereignty.