One of the great blessings that a society can experience is a stable and strong government. Some governments come and go quickly because of internal political conflict or coups. Other governments might be corrupt, lack any vision, or have insufficient means to enact their policies. As a result, the economy falters. Crime rises. Poverty spreads. The nation becomes vulnerable to attack or outside influences. In contrast, a good and strong government promotes order in society and consequently, peace, safety, and prosperity.

Psalm 93 is the first of a number of psalms (Psalms 95-99) that praises God for being the King over all the earth. One of the most important and comforting truths in the Bible is that God is sovereign. ″The Lord reigns″ (Psalm 93:1) over everyone and everything and, ultimately, all people and all events serve His purposes. Unlike kings who rule for a lifetime or presidents who rule for a fixed term of office, God reigns forever. Since He is the King, the world is ″firm and secure″ (v. 1). In other words, while there are wars and natural disasters, God manages all these things to ensure the wellbeing and survival of His creation.

In the myths and stories of the ancient world, the sea was often portrayed as a symbol of chaos. Similarly, in Genesis 1:2, we are told that ″darkness was over the surface of the deep . . . over the waters″ before God spoke and brought order. Some of us have experienced violent sea storms, floods, or a tsunami. The waters seem uncontrollable. But the Lord is ″mightier than the breakers of the sea″ (Psalm 93:4). Indeed, these forces of chaos ″have lifted up their voice″ (v. 3) in praise of the One who made them and rules them. So, if the Lord controls the powerful, terrifying waters, we can be confident in His rule over all the forces on earth.

How does the King of all creation rule the peoples of the earth? The psalm concludes by telling us, ″your statutes, Lord, stand firm″ (v. 5). By His law, enacted through His appointed human kings, God rules His people, promoting order and restraining evil.

Jesus is ″Lord of lords and King of kings″ (Revelation 17:14). He rules His kingdom by His Word (see Matthew 28:18-20). Twice in His ministry, Jesus displayed His divine power over the terrifying chaos of the sea when He stilled a storm (8:23-27) and walked on water (John 6:16-21). Under His government, there is ″righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit″ (Romans 14:17).