The shields of the earth belong to God; he is highly exalted. – Psalm 47:9
Sometimes it is easy to forget that the earth, and everything in it, still belongs solely to God. This includes not only the physical things but also the spiritual things of the world, including God’s providence and angels.
From the time of Abraham in Genesis 12, God promised that those who put their faith in Him would inherit great blessings. The Bible is full of story after story of God fulfilling this promise, culminating in the account of Jesus’ work on the cross. This is the backbone of the Christian faith – that although humankind did not deserve it, God made a way for them to spend eternity with Him – blessed beyond understanding.
But faith in God also requires a level of submission to His authority, which can be challenging. Whether God calls you to leave your homeland like Abraham, to stay and plant roots like the exiled Israelites, or to preach the Gospel throughout the land like Paul, your first step will be to submit to His will and obey. And while the cost may seem great, Psalm 47 serves as one of many reminders in the Bible that the reward is greater.
Do you have anything in your life that you have forgotten belongs to God? Take time today to talk with the Lord and ask Him to reveal to you any areas you may struggle to follow His calling. Pray that He would give you a humble spirit, ready to receive whatever He has for you. Ask God to use what belongs to Him to further His kingdom, including the power within the U.S. government.
Today’s Verse: Psalm 47:9
The princes of the peoples gather
as the people of the God of Abraham.
For the shields of the earth belong to God;
he is highly exalted!
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Romans 4:16-25
16 That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, 17 as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. 18 In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” 19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. 20 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. 22 That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” 23 But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, 24 but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, 25 who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
