God Laughs…

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, saying, “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. (Psalm 2:1–12)

When world leaders get together for their summit meetings, there may be some who say in their heart, if not aloud, “We don’t need God or any of his people. . . . we can deal with the problems ourselves.” Whether it comes in  words or mere thoughts, this is a joke in the holy mind of God.

Nothing is said about how the psalm writer knew this about God. All I can imagine is that the Holy Spirit filled him and he laughed himself at the plans of those rulers. Since this is not a normal response to their their threats and behavior, the psalmist realized such a response came from the heart of the Lord. He knew from the revelation of God what God is like and his trust was so deep that the threats made by mere men were simply silly.

My husband often insisted that our children should never imagine “what if” about much of anything. As an adult, I can now see how that thought can easily slip from creative ideas to worry about what will happen. We hear the news and speculate. “What if this happens?” And wander into depression as if our fears are certain possibilities. However, the Holy Spirit lives in me. If He can laugh at the worst our enemies can plot, then I ought to laugh too.

The wife of a pastor who suffered a great deal of depression dressed one day in black. He asked her if someone had died. She said, “Yes, God died.” He said that was preposterous. She replied, “Then why do you act all the time as if He did?”

I’ve been what-if-ing for a few days, imagining that God doesn’t care and will not or cannot do anything about a certain issue. I imagined Him laughing at the foolishness of my request, but now am remembering to hear Him laughing at the problem. It is not a matter of ‘what if’ — but of ‘when’ and ‘be patient’ and even laugh with Him.

Jesus, ‘what if’ and “doubt” go hand-in-hand. Forgive me. I may not hear You laughing but I can read Your promises and trust You to take care of all my ‘what ifs’ and imaginations.

 

Did the devil make this happen?

In reading about God’s dominion over all things, I’m encouraged to trust Him even more by reminders that all evil spirits are subject to His authority. Job comes to mind as everything that Satan did to harm this man and take from him the evidences of God's goodness happened only because God gave this evil enemy permission to do it. 

That OT book reveals that when terrible things happen, God is not oblivious. He has a purpose, just as the NT says:

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. (Romans 8:28–29)

While I know that if God gave sinners what we deserve, we who trust Him would not be enjoying His mercy and grace, but as Charnock says, the evil devils “have cast themselves out of the arms of his grace into the furnace of His justice” and by their revolt, forfeited the treasure of his goodness. But they cannot escape from the realm of His dominion.

This applies not only to evil spirits but to all who refuse to own Him as Lord and Father. Instead, they are under Him as Lord and Judge and not set free from His rule.

Just as a human ruler is lord over his criminals as well as of his loyalest subjects, so God has this same rule over all. Job’s story tells me that God uses wickedness to do His will, not by their authority but by His.

Even when criminals and sinners refuse to live under God, those who punish them or pull them into the consequences of sin, it is not about the power of anyone else. No one can say that the devil made them do it or the devil is punishing them, because when the devil is used by God for the punishment of any, it is an act of His sovereignty to make evident His justice. Many nations use vile people to do their dirty work with their natural malice but for His own purposes. 

That is, God can use evil beings to execute His judgments upon their followers, as well as sometimes inflict discipline upon His own servants. No matter what is happening, God has reason and purpose because He is sovereign. Think of it: He ordered the destroying nature of fire to preserve His three children, and let it loose to consume their adversaries.

And the satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the king’s counselors gathered together and saw that the fire had not had any power over the bodies of those men. The hair of their heads was not singed, their cloaks were not harmed, and no smell of fire had come upon them. (Daniel 3:27)

Jesus ordered storms to cease because, “You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, You still them.” (Psalm 89:9) His dominion extends over the highest ruler and the lowest peasant; the proudest millionaire and the poorest beggar. He “shows no partiality to princes, nor regards the rich more than the poor, for they are all the work of his hands.” (Job 34:19)
In innocence, or in revolt, I am under His authority, whether I obey or violate His will. He even orders where I live. (Acts 17:26)

History shows human pride designing and attempting to rule, politicians and religious figures alike, yet none can do it because God’s authority cannot be surpassed.

PRAY: Lord, in these days when leaders spar as if they are the ultimate monarchs or will be, You laugh at them (Psalm 2) knowing how foolish are such notions. Yet fear strikes many that tyrants will ruin our lives. As I read of Your dominion and yield to it, fear walks out the door and my heart laughs too. Who can out-do God Almighty? You gave me the ability to say NO to evil and evil ideas, and YES to Your will and purposes. Grant discernment and faith to know which is which and to laugh with You at the vanity that hits the news. May I see it knowing that no matter what is going on, You are pure goodness and righteousness, and You remain on the throne — nothing happens without Your permission and Your righteous good will.



 

God laughs, sometimes at what makes us cry. . . .

Yesterday an amazing thing happened. I meet once a month with six other women who share my interest in quilting. Our conversation is almost all about creativity sprinkled with personal events and stories. Three of us are Christians but rarely is anything ever said about God. For that reason, I prayed on the way to our meeting place that the Holy Spirit would give me something to say that would honor Him.

The usual conversation was about creativity. No whispers from the Holy Spirit and toward the time to go home, I was feeling a bit disappointed. However, the latest news threw politics into the conversation. Some of the women were becoming emotional.

At that, I told them about a comedy routine someone sent to me about Silent Letter Day. One of them loaded it on her phone and we were all laughing so much that we couldn’t hear all of it.

Then the conversation on politics lingered. I told them that when the news bothered me, I read Psalm 2 and urged them to dig out a Bible and read it when then went home. At that, the hostess got up and came back with a Bible and read it — aloud! This is what it says:

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, saying, “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. (Psalm 2:1–12)

The group relaxed. I was astonished. God answered my prayer way beyond my expectations. All I could say was that God is the only one that can take bad events and use them for good, mentioning one good thing coming as a result of what seems like a foolish and dangerous political decision. The now relaxed women began talking about their hope for good things in the future.

Later in the day, it came to my attention that the worst of that bad news was just that — a political folly planned to prevent an even worse event. True or not remains to be seen, but I can glorify God for the way He introduced a different way to think to a group of people upset over the nonsense they hear about on the news. God has a plan and He laughs at the plans of so-called world leaders.

PRAY: You are on the throne, Jesus. Thank You for making that clear. Thank You that You know how to best present Yourself to those who seldom think of Your power and ability to bring justice to a world that seems to be invincible. You are Lord of all!

God’s laughter

 

As a new Christian, I thought God was like my earthly father, and even though Dad laughed much, it never entered my head that God had a sense of humor. Then I attended a drama at Easter and Jesus was portrayed as a happy person who laughed. Later, I read “The Pleasures of God” and much later during my devotions and conversations with God, and because of several incidents, I realized that God laughs. I could hear Him chuckle as He responded to me.
He also directed me to verses of amazement yet comfort:

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, saying, “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” (Psalm 2:1–6)

This ability to laugh is not just about God’s attitude of wrath against the foolishness of evil. I once was walking and praying, stewing over many things when I heard the Spirit of God say this: “Elsie, get out of my to-do list.” Instant relief. God was laughing at my silly pride and I laughed with Him.

He smiled broadly at the pink tulip issue and even prompted one of His children to make me a lovely wreath with pink tulips. I cried -- He chuckled -- in this and during many other incidents. His joy, given by the Holy Spirit, is sometimes an outburst of laughter. Yet the above verses refer to serious stuff. Our world is deteriorating and in a mess. The lack of respect for goodness and morality alone is enough to make anyone weep. It’s hard to conceive of our world, its nations and cities, even all relationships, even one heart, including my heart, in which every sin is completely gone. Yet that day is coming:

In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there. But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace. The wicked plots against the righteous and gnashes his teeth at him, but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that his day is coming. (Psalm 37:10–13)

Because of Jesus I have “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for me” (1 Peter 1:4) and if not laughter, this gives me great joy. Since God can laugh as He knows the end of wickedness, I no longer need to stress about it. Not sure about laughing, but being at peace in this mess is a reality.

PRAY: You are my God who does all things well. The cross and Your meekness help my attitude and build my faith to know that one day, we will joyfully join You in a new reality — without all the sin that is so distressing. When wickedness seems to be on the increase and righteousness seems to be on the decrease, please, Father, allow me and all of your children to hear your laughter. I want Your joy to be my strength, your promises to be my confidence, and your timing to rule my schedule. Continually remind me that Jesus is making all things new. And may those reminders often come as laughter.
 

Oh Happy Day . . .

READ Psalm 1–5

While reading the prophets is enlightening and fosters my sense of God’s holiness, I must admit that I’m glad to move into the song book of Israel — filled with praises for the wonder of who God is and His goodness to His people. There are warnings and struggles in this poetry, yet even reading them brings joy to my heart.

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. (Psalm 1:1–2)

This speaks of a slippery slope. Take counsel from a person who does not believe in God and that attitude is too easily adopted to a new stance, and can slide into mocking those who trust Him or worse — to deriding God. Those blessed spend enough time in the Word of God to realize His thoughts are a delight, worthy of thinking about all day long, and guiding everything I do.

What about those who mock God, who make a strong argument for not believing in Him or trusting Him? What about the kings and rulers in this world who consider power and money over humility and faith in Jesus Christ? They could distress me, but this is what God says:

He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. (2:4–12)

Such mockers in their unbelief have no idea of God’s power. They think they rule their world, that we mere mortals control such powers as the climate, that money thrown at it will solve the problems of crime and hate, that by sheer determination we can make the world a better place. And the Lord laughs. He addresses my worries with a holy ‘lighten up’ so I can rejoice in His power and wisdom and not be afraid as others try in vain to do what only God can do.

But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around. (3:3–6)

Amen to that! I just woke up from a sound sleep with joy in my heart, the usual for me in a world that says people my age don’t sleep very well. They need to interview those who trust God, pray their fears to Him and realize His grace and power. The psalm writers knew. So do those who have been touched by the grace of God and who can say: “But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him . . . . You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (4:3; 7–8)

It may take a lifetime to learn some of these things, yet all through my Christian life, God has been faithful. He will, “Give attention to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you do I pray. O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch” (5:2–3). He hears me. He respects the sacrifices made to show love to others. He is with me, and when I pay attention, I see His gracious hand in all of life.

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield. (5:11–12)

Oh Lord, Your Word encourages me and gives me energy as well as guidance and peace for each day. I stumble, make mistakes, become self-centered yet Your Son covers me with His sacrifice and Himself. I am shielded from the world’s lures, Satan’s lies, and the subtleties of my own sinful desires. And because of You, I can shout and sing songs of joy!