The Orienting Centre of all Reality

Remembering the immovable purposes of God in an age of upheaval

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10)

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Every ship needs a heading — a chartered course, a fixed destination, an immovable point toward which it is aimed that keeps the vessel moving unswervingly in the same direction. Human beings are no different. Without a clearly defined telos we are quickly buffeted and blown off course. We become frequent victims to the relentless tyranny of shifting affections, bodily weakness, or wavering resolve.

Thankfully, God has given the Scriptures to guide His saints through such dangers and snares. In them, we hear the God of Jacob thunder and we are brought back to the orienting centre of all reality: “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

Where is the comfort of the people of God found? According to the psalmist, it is found in the remembrance that God has purposed to be exalted in all the earth — and His purposes do not fail. Thus, when all the world seems to give way, when the fabric of creation itself appears to be upended (vv. 2–3), when that which seemed to be most firm turns out to be brittle and transitory, the Church can rest secure in the knowledge that her covenant Lord will not let His promises become void: Christ will have His inheritance of nations (Ps. 2:8); He will soon return to be glorified in His saints and marvelled at among all who have believed (2 Thess. 1:10); He will come with His angels in the glory of His Father to repay each person according to what he has done (Matt. 16:27). And when He does, all fear, dismay, and fretting will be put finally to rest.

The Lamb will make all things new.