There is almost nothing worse than working for a bad leader, in a workplace filled with confusion, mistrust, and frustration. On the other hand, when we work for a good leader, even the most difficult job can seem bearable.

Again and again, the Bible refers to God as King. In democratic nations, we may be a bit suspicious of that title. But unlike many earthly kings, God is not an elevated tyrant concerned only with his own power and privilege. In today’s reading, the Psalmist celebrates God’s rule with great enthusiasm: “Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises” (v. 6).

Psalm 47 celebrates God’s rule over all the earth, including all the nations (vv. 1–2). As believers, we owe Him our allegiance. We can trust God as King. Our King wants to hear from us. He delights to receive our worship (v. 6). He cares for us personally and is intimately involved in our lives. David declares, “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth” (Ps. 145:18).

The fact that God rules over all things gives us hope. This psalm looks forward to a time when God’s rule will be recognized by all people (vv. 8 9). When Jesus returns to rule from Jerusalem, “He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation” (Micah 4:3).

>> What does it mean to live under God’s rule in the present? One way is to remember that our lives are not our own, but everything we have belongs to Him (1 Cor. 6:19–20). We submit to God as King in every area of our lives, trust in His wisdom and guidance, and seek to glorify Him in all that we do.

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