‘LONG TO REIGN OVER US’1
Opening Prayer
King of all the Ages, you deserve all honor and praise. Thank you that you reign with love, with justice, and with mercy.
Read PSALM 93
Psalm 93
1 The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty;
the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength;
indeed, the world is established, firm and secure.
2 Your throne was established long ago;
you are from all eternity.
3 The seas have lifted up, Lord,
the seas have lifted up their voice;
the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.
4 Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
mightier than the breakers of the sea—
the Lord on high is mighty.
5 Your statutes, Lord, stand firm;
holiness adorns your house
for endless days.
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Meditate
‘Bring forth the royal diadem, / and crown him Lord of all.’2
Think Further
Sometimes the clothes people wear convey something of their authority. The miter and vestments that a bishop wears to process, a wig and gown in the legal sphere, or even a white lab coat can indicate something of importance. Consider, in the context of this psalm, the royal robes monarchs wear on grand state occasions. If we are in any doubt about the psalmist’s belief that the Lord reigns, we read that God is clothed in majesty and strength (v. 1). It’s as if the author is saying that majesty and power are so intrinsic to God’s being that he is clothed in them.
God’s people are using these words in worship, probably after the Exile when there is no longer a Davidic king on the throne. The fact that, amid chaos and despair, God is still on the throne is a focus for their worship and expressions of hope. Whatever the circumstances may suggest, the Lord reigns. In fact, the phrase ‘The Lord reigns’ (v. 1) is as likely to be a title for Psalms 93–100, as a group, as it is for this psalm. It’s a heading that is re-emphasized time and again, not least by the claim that the Lord is mightier than the waters of sea and flood. Water, especially the ocean, was often something to be feared in the ancient world. The power of the ocean suggested wild, untamed chaos, but over even this most primal of forces, the Lord reigns and rules.
Whatever forces of chaos we currently face, this psalm draws us close to the majesty and power of God, reminding us of his permanence and security. He has ever been and will ever be. Nothing will shift him from his position of strength and security, so we can be confident of his enduring faithfulness in every circumstance.
Apply
Spend some time praising and thanking God for his power and majesty.
Closing prayer
Forgive me Father, when I forget that there is nothing too hard for you and that you are not only able, but always ready, to help me.
1 Traditional, ‘God save our gracious king’ 2 Edward Perronet, 1721–92, ‘All hail the power of Jesus’ name’
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