For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise. (Psalm 47:7)
Do you remember learning about various political systems in World History class? As Christians, regardless of which country we are from, we all live under an absolute monarchy with God reigning supreme over our lives.
The modern political construct of democracy, to which we have all grown accustomed, has done much to increase our sense of entitlement — our belief that we have a right to certain liberties, which causes us to demand to have our voices heard and our expectations fulfilled. Sometimes, when we are not careful, this entitlement causes us to forget our place before God and to insist upon our own “rights.”
In the olden days, commoners and peasants would venture from distant lands into the kingdom to offer tribute to their king and make pleas. They made common requests for food, specifically rations in times of drought, famine, and agricultural failures. They also made requests for protection (from ransacking bandits and raids from warring kingdoms). All citizens were under the protection and care of their King.
In the same manner, we as God’s people are under His protection and care. The Bible instructs us on how we can ask God for the provisions that we need.
“In everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Phil 4:5-6).
Here, Paul writes that we are to pray and to petition with an attitude of thankfulness and to submit our requests to God.
As subjects to the High King of Heaven, we are not in a place to demand anything from God. We can certainly go before God, tell Him of our weary journey and plight, and ask Him to extend an intervening hand to help improve our lives. But we must do so with a spirit of humility.
Remember, we are coming before the throne of a Ruler who does not exist to do our bidding but rather acts for the sake of His glory, in addition to our welfare.
Let us, then, recognize God as the Supreme Monarch over all the universe — One who governs in truth, justice, love, and perfect wisdom — and recognize that we are His subjects. Let us not be quick to challenge His authority but, instead, acknowledge His perfect wisdom, which far outweighs our own in every situation and capacity.
Reflection Questions
- How do you view God? Do you see him as a King who rules? A genie who grants wishes? Or, perhaps, a custodian who cleans up the mess you’ve made?
- Would you consider yourself a loyal citizen in God’s kingdom, or do you sometimes secretly conspire, in your heart, to overthrow His reign and insert yourself as lord of your life?
