“Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?” Psalm 2:1
Devotion:
Anger is a universal experience, a response to the recognition that something is not right in the world. Living in this imperfect world, it becomes apparent that things are far from ideal. However, our experience of anger often takes a wrong turn. We may direct our anger at the wrong things, overreact or underreact, or harbor anger without just cause.
Psalm 2 poses a profound question about the motivation behind the rage prevalent in the world. It prompts us to examine the root cause of much of the anger throughout history. Why do nations continually rage against each other? On a smaller scale, why do individuals harbor such intense anger toward one another?
A significant reason for the misdirection of our anger is our pride and self-importance. As we strive to build our personal kingdoms, the advancement of others’ kingdoms may be perceived as a threat to our own. This self-centered rage contributes to global conflicts and family disputes alike.
However, the nations’ futile plotting is grounded in the fact that God, the Sovereign One, is actively working His will in the world. He alone can express anger appropriately, without overreaction or underreaction, without being upset for the wrong reasons, and with the rightful embrace of His own importance. As God executes His perfect plan, addressing all that is not right, He cuts through the vain plots and outbursts of everyone from the greatest king to the smallest child. Ultimately, all anger fueled by pride and self-importance is rendered futile in the grand scheme of things.
Prayer:
God, guide us in examining our anger. Reveal the areas where we are motivated by selfishness and self-importance. Help us surrender our personal kingdoms for the sake of Your kingdom.
Lead us to trust in Your sovereignty over the world and anchor our faith in Your promise to set all things right. We seek Your mercy to prevent us from living in vain pursuits that ultimately hold no meaning. Align us with Your will, liberating us from our own fretting and plotting.
Our hope rests in you. In Jesus’ name, we worship and pray.
Amen.
