We jokingly say that two things are for sure – death & taxes. For the writer of this psalm there is only one certainty, the Lord. Some folks escape taxes, and Enoch escaped death. But we all have the Lord to contend with or to rely upon. He is the one certainty.
The Lord is sure. The certainty and dependability of the Lord is illustrated in a couple of ways.
Unless we live in a region of very high incidence of earthquakes, we think of the earth as solid and dependable. But whatever dependability the earth has it derives from its maker. (1b-2).We recognize the power of the waters (3), but the Lord is far more powerful (4).
The Lord reigns; he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed; he has put on strength as his belt. Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved. 2 Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting. 3 The floods have lifted up, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their roaring. 4 Mightier than the thunders of many waters, mightier than the waves of the sea, the Lord on high is mighty!
Living this side of the cross, we have greater reason to trust in the dependability of our God. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 3 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Rom 8:31-32).
Whether compared to the Old Testament saints, or most of the New Testament saints, or most of the saints down through the ages, we have more to be thankful for, more reason to be devoted to the Lord. Does it show in our lives?
His dwelling should be holy. This psalm concludes that it is fitting that such a God dwell in a holy house. Your decrees are very trustworthy; holiness befits your house, O Lord, forevermore (5).
This might have meant a couple of things.He may have meant that the Lord’s heavenly dwelling is unapproachable. He may have meant that the Temple, his earthly house, needed to be honoured and kept separate from every ordinary structure.
From a New Testament perspective, the holiness of God’s house means that Christians are to be intentionally and meaningfully different, separated from the world in ways that really matter.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? 17 If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
Colossians 3:1-5 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
Romans 12:1-2 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Are we intentionally and meaningfully different, separated from the world in ways that really matter? This is a question which, I fear, we ask ourselves rarely. We are God’s house. His Holy Spirit dwells in us or would if we would allow it. But too often we grieve the Spirit by our actions and attitudes (Eph 4:30).
The Lord is sure. His guidance, his protection, his salvation are perfectly trustworthy. His wisdom, knowledge, and power are matchless. But for us to fully benefit from his greatness, we must seek the holiness without which no one will see the Lord (Heb 12:14).