Psalm 135 — An Omnipotent God — Aneel Aranha

Praise the LORD.
Praise the name of the LORD;
praise him, you servants of the LORD,
you who minister in the house of the LORD,
in the courts of the house of our God.
Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good;
sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant.
For the LORD has chosen Jacob to be his own,
Israel to be his treasured possession.
I know that the LORD is great,
that our Lord is greater than all gods.
The LORD does whatever pleases him,
in the heavens and on the earth,
in the seas and all their depths.
He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth;
he sends lightning with the rain
and brings out the wind from his storehouses.
He struck down the firstborn of Egypt,
the firstborn of people and animals.
He sent his signs and wonders into your midst, Egypt,
against Pharaoh and all his servants.
He struck down many nations
and killed mighty kings—
Sihon king of the Amorites,
Og king of Bashan,
and all the kings of Canaan —
and he gave their land as an inheritance,
an inheritance to his people Israel.
Your name, LORD, endures forever,
your renown, LORD, through all generations.
For the LORD will vindicate his people
and have compassion on his servants.
The idols of the nations are silver and gold,
made by human hands.
They have mouths, but cannot speak,
eyes, but cannot see.
They have ears, but cannot hear,
nor is there breath in their mouths.
Those who make them will be like them,
and so will all who trust in them.
All you Israelites, praise the LORD;
house of Aaron, praise the LORD;
house of Levi, praise the LORD;
you who fear him, praise the LORD.
Praise be to the LORD from Zion,
to him who dwells in Jerusalem.
Praise the LORD.

We have a relatively long psalm after a long time today, but what a lovely one it is. We can reflect on much, but let's consider one particular aspect: God's sovereignty. The psalmist declares, "The Lord does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths.” Well, why not? He is God, after all! 

However, God's actions are not capricious or whimsical but are grounded in steadfast love, infinite wisdom, and unchanging character. His deeds, whether in creation, redemption, or sustaining the universe, are executed with intentional and purposeful design, reflecting his goodness, justice, and mercy. Consequently, we should be consoled, not concerned; reassured, not restless.

Many of us find solace in Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." While initially spoken to the Israelites, this promise has been embraced by many believers today as a testament to God's benevolent intentions toward his people.

Paul echoes a similar sentiment in Romans, affirming, "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). This assurance that God's sovereign hand is always at work, even amidst our trials, orchestrating events for our good, is a beacon of hope.

Consequently, the next time we face uncertainty or feel overwhelmed by circumstances beyond our control, let us remember these words of assurance from Scripture. God is sovereign. He's got this. And he's working it all out for your good. Say Amen and Praise the Lord!

God bless you.