I was engaged in a conversation with a few brothers the other day about current events, dangerous political leaders, terrorism and an ever increasing occurrence of devastating weather phenomenon.  Now please do not get me wrong, those things are of real concern to me. But as the conversation was progressing, while the other brothers seemed to be getting all worked up, I found myself having a peace that passes understanding. I know that it was a peace from God, and it came from the truth of a God’s Word!

In the Bible, there is the account of the most powerful man on earth at the time. His name was Nebuchadnezzar, and his seemingly invincible kingdom was Babylon. Long story short, God told this mighty political leader who thought that he was “all that and a bag of chips” these astounding words. “They shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.”

In other words, as pagan and godless as he was, he was in that place of authority because of the sovereign hand of God. Paul writes in the book of Romans, Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. The Book cannot be clearer. God rules. God reigns in spite of who is currently leading every single nation on this planet.

After God’s Spirit opened Nebuchadnezzar’s heart and mind to see Who really is in control of events on planet earth, he wrote these God glorifying, pride destroying words found in Daniel 4.34,35. “And at the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom [is] from generation to generation: And all the inhabitants of the earth [are] reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and [among] the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?”

Ponder those precious words, beloved. Glory to God! Who is running the affairs of man on planet earth? Man? Satan? Or Living God? The Psalmist declared in 135:6 “Whatsoever the LORD pleased, [that] did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.” I fully agree with the wisdom of the Psalmist when he wrote,  Psalms 33:8 “Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him”. Beloved, the condition of things on earth is because we are a planet that is in rebellion against the plans and purposes of God, but make no mistake about it. We may be out of control, but God isn’t! He rules! He reigns! He controls every single solar system and atom in this universe. There is no higher authority than Him. His counsel stands. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but His words will never pass away.

Like Job, when you and I are confronted with political unrest, terrorist threats and devastating climatic events, we can either curse God or worship Him. What does it profit to harden your heart against God? Job 9:4 “[He is] wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened [himself] against him, and hath prospered?” Oh how I love Psalm 148: “Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the LORD from the heavens: praise him in the heights. Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts. Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that [be] above the heavens. Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created. He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass. Praise the LORD from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps: Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word: Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars: Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl: Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth: Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children: Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory [is] above the earth and heaven.”

Beloved, our God upholds all things by the word of His power. Yes, we are living in perilous, gut wrenching times on planet earth. But in the midst of it all, we are being held in the Hand of The Almighty. He is mighty to keep you from falling. Your times are in His hands. Praise Him. Trust Him. All things are working together for your good and His glory!