Psalm 93
by Pastor David Groendyk
If we boiled down Book IV of the Psalms into one theme, it would be, “The LORD reigns!” In fact, you could make the case that the theme of the entire book of Psalms is that the LORD reigns. But from Psalm 90 to Psalm 106 especially, the consistent refrain is that our God is the creator and ruler of all things. Those who find their refuge in him through faith and repentance will forever have his protection and salvation. Psalm 93 particularly emphasizes the universality of God’s kingship. He rules over the whole of Creation, from the billions of stars in the sky to the smallest insect crawling on the ground. What else does this psalm teach us about God’s universal kingship?
God’s kingdom is secure and stable (vv. 1–2). The Lord wears strength like a belt. The world has been established and will never be moved. The Lord has existed before all time and will continue to live and reign forever. His throne and his world aren’t going anywhere. The same God has been in charge from the time that the universe was a murky, muddy mess in Genesis 1:2 to the time of the Old Testament prophets to the time of Paul to the time of the Reformation to now. How many countries do you regularly hear of experiencing coups and uprisings? The whole government and country are upheaved when a new leader takes power. How much change does our country go through even when it’s a peaceful transfer? The Lord’s rule is nothing like that. He is from everlasting to everlasting, and his throne cannot be shaken.
God’s kingdom is mightier than the raging sea (vv. 3–4). Normally in Scripture, you won’t see the Israelites venturing out into the open sea or ocean very often. Why? The sea was symbolic for the Israelites. It stood for uncontrollable chaos. That’s why in Revelation 21:1 the new heaven and new earth don’t have a sea. It’s not that there won’t be bodies of water in heaven; no, God will remove all evil from heaven. However, on earth, evil still exists, but praise be to God that he rules over it and he overcomes it. Evil cannot possibly win, because it is weak compared to God. His will cannot fail.
God’s kingdom is trustworthy (v. 5). He is firm and stable and sure, he is from everlasting to everlasting, he overcomes and overpowers all evil and wickedness, and he is a holy and pure and just God. Therefore, in all that he does, he is trustworthy. It would be one thing if God were an everlasting dictator, stronger than all his enemies. But he’s also benevolent and good. We can trust him when we put our lives in his hands. We can trust whatever his will is that happens to us and around us, because we know he’s a good king.
What does all this meditation on God’s kingship do for us as Christians? Remember the context of the psalms. At the very end of Book III, in Psalm 88 and Psalm 89, we hit the lowest of lows in despair and depression. Darkness was the psalmist’s only friend. What is God’s answer? He reigns, and he is trustworthy. As the ESV Study Bible puts it, “The conviction that God reigns is the ultimate antidote to doubt and despair.” It drives away the dark clouds and evil thoughts. It reminds us that he is providentially watching over us and caring for us and nothing will thwart him, no matter how dark life seems. Actively remind yourself of that truth today.