Prominence & Power

. . . He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;
He reveals deep and hidden things;
He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him.”
Daniel 2:20-22

When driven by paranoia and fear, we suspect and accuse. We are convinced we know the facts but, when honest, we admit we can be wrong. We need to rely on a source greater than ourselves.

Wisdom and knowledge that comes from God teaches us about Him and His ways—how He acts and what He values. It reveals His power and sovereignty. It gives us discernment that is informed by His written Word. Then we live the best we can, conscientiously making choices based on principles revealed in the Bible.

We may be suspicious but we don’t actually know what dwells in the hearts of men. Therefore we must not accuse, blame, or call names, but trust in God. He assures us that wrong will be made right, evil will be held accountable, and the coming judgement will be just.

We vote, but God appoints. He removes and sets up leaders by His wisdom, according to His plan, and for purposes we cannot fathom. So, friends, do not fear. Do not hate. Do not despair. God is on His throne.

Who’s in Charge?

No Fear Here, 4

Iran threatens, Israel prepares, Hamas attacks, Russia boasts, Ukraine defends, African unrest intensifies, politics inflames, crime rises, finances shrivel, storms flood, fires burn. Our world is unsafe.

It seems that evil has the upper hand. King David knew how that felt—he was hunted, slandered, and threatened. But according to him, nations can be glad and even joyful when they know and honor God. In Psalm 67:4 David professed that his faith was superior to the unrest that threatened him:

“You rule the peoples justly
and guide the nations of the earth.”

God is in charge. A nation’s ignorance of His dominion doesn’t alter God’s power or jurisdiction.

At the end of the chapter David reveals the key to his peace in the midst of unrest. When we praise God, He blesses us and all the entire earth will recognize Him.

We must lift our sights above earth’s distresses and turmoil and let our attitude reflect our faith. If we confess Creator God is sovereign over all He made and the affairs of mankind, and praise him in this furnace of many afflictions, He will bless us. Friends, let’s start living out that truth and leave fear behind.

Finding Hope, 65 Meditations for a Broken Heart