Trusting God's Plan Amidst the Chaos

By Dean Collins

At the end of the day, there is only one plan that will work. Yet, since the beginning of time, we all think that we have a better one. That is a pretty good indication that the enemy still deals in the art of deception. In every century or for whatever measure of time you choose to consider, there have been kings, rulers, nations, and coalitions of power who were convinced that they could sort it all out. And things do seem to get sorted out for a season, but then the power grab repeats the cycle.

 David basically wrote as much in Psalm 2. The apostles quote from this psalm after being interrogated by the chief priests and leaders who were insisting they stop telling people about Jesus and performing miracles. In their prayer they quoted from Psalm 2:

 “Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed…”

 It was the same question David posed to God as he wrote Psalm 2, and it’s a fair question for us to consider as we observe the current situation in our country and across the globe. There is certainly focus and concern about what is happening in Israel, Gaza, and the surrounding region. But don’t forget that all over the world there are tensions and power struggles. And what about our internal struggles here in the US? Political parties rage both within their own party and across the aisle.

 This may sound pessimistic, but it is not. There isn’t a party, a system, a country, a think tank, or any amount of money that can bring peace and keep nations or individuals from raging and plotting to gain or maintain control. Eventually we will learn and experience the one source of joy, peace, and human flourishing. It is God’s anointed Son and our Messiah, Jesus. 

 David said that God actually laughs as he observes this phenomenon. No, he is not laughing at the suffering we cause as we war and fight, starve or enslave. He laughs that we just keep trying the same old things, believing that somehow we will get a new or better result than the last time.

 David didn’t describe his own power but rather the Anointed One who was to come later. Once the apostles saw the resurrection and received the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, they began to tell everyone, near and far, about Jesus. They understood that only Jesus and his kingdom could restore God’s plan for all nations and all people to experience what he planned from the beginning of time.

 Sometime last year I memorized verses six and seven from Philippians 4:

 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

I am sure some of you have these verses memorized. Probably hundreds of thousands of believers have quoted these lines to shout down their anxieties and for good reason. What Paul said here is true and can be applied. This is an important nugget of truth.

 Memorizing scripture can be a powerful tool we use to speak truth to our minds. However, sometimes our focus on a verse causes us to miss a greater truth. In looking back at Philippians 4 this morning, I realized that much of what David said in Psalm 2 is generally expressed by Paul in his first paragraph.

 First, Paul tells us to rejoice always. I think he knows and hopes we will learn that instead of fighting against God, we can join him in laughter once we realize that there is no better way than God’s ways.

 Once we are grounded in God, we can then have a reasonable mindset from which we approach each other and life itself, including our challenges. Paul said, “Let your reasonableness be known or seen by others.” I wonder what a difference Christians might make in the world if we just approached each other and our problems with a reasonable mind that comes from the Lord.

 Then Paul gave us a central truth, “The lord is at hand.” I think this is similar to what David was trying to teach in Psalm 2 when he indicated that God was on his throne in heaven and that he was sending his anointed to bring a better way for the world. Jesus and his kingdom are, and forever will be, the better way.

 Paul’s declaration that the peace of Christ will guard our hearts and minds is the same message that David ended his psalm with: “Blessed are those who take refuge in him.” Our minds and hearts can be at rest, even as nations and leaders rage and plot foolishly. 

 David and Paul agree with all of scripture: God’s kingdom will come on earth as it is in heaven as we embrace him and follow his plans. Our surrender to Christ will calm us, give us wisdom, courage, and confidence that God will guide us now, even as we wait for him to return and make all things right. 

 Thank you, Father, for the reminders of scripture that you are in control. Forgive us when we try to handle things on our own. Today, let us rejoice in you and your sovereignty. May your kingdom be seen in us today. Holy Spirit, guide us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

 Your Time with God’s Word
Psalm 2:1-12; Philippians 4:4-9 ESV

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash
To receive daily posts delivered directly to your inbox, complete the form at the bottom of our home page.