On His Throne

“That being so,” he continued “listen to the Lord’s word: I saw the Lord sitting on His throne with all the throngs of heaven standing around Him at His right and left.” 2 Chronicles 18:18

Whether it is present events, or just the nature of living in a fallen world, life can feel pretty bleak sometimes. For me personally, the mix is exacerbated by a continuing battle with depression. I gain one moment of seeing life from an alpine view, above the clouds, clear skies and clear-headed, and then can find myself dashed into darkness for another interminable length of time.

But the prophet sees something, even in the midst of a national crisis. His message isn going to be one of judgment and could be seen as very discouraging. He then goes on to relate a fairly confusing picture: a spirit before God’s throne says “I’ll go be a lying spirit in the mouths of the prophets”. God says, “Go ahead”.

I’m not concerned with exegeting this difficult passage. It is a good question, “Why does God allow a ‘lying spirit’ to go at His command.” But, what struck me today is how this whole vision begins. The prophet sees God “sitting on His throne with all the throngs of heaven.”

When I don’t understand the world, my life, or my circumstances, it does help to get a view of God “on His throne.” I don’t understand the difficulties I face. I don’t know why people respond the ways they do. I don’t know why, when God has been so good, my emotions can take their patent nose-dives.

But the prophet helps me here. He is about to announce what God showed him, and what he announces is pretty hard to sort out…the whole “lying spirit” business. But, when the vision begins with “God on His throne” the other muck is easier to take; even if not as easy to understand.

Today, I am seeing God on His throne. The church I pastor faces financial hurdles in the midst of our present economy. Personally finances and health have plagued my family recently. And, nationally the volume level of recent rhetoric has risen to a “Spinal Tap” 11! Apart from seeing “God on His throne” I might give in to the outward pressures and the inner disquiet.

But today, I am going to trust that what the prophet saw is what is exactly true. I may not be able to shake my mood. My checkbook may not balance today. I may feel like giving up on the quest to invite people to a more gentle discussion of national or even Christian values. But, despite my view from “down here” I am going to act upon the view that is “up there”.

Sometimes I do it through my tears, sometimes the clouds separate and I actually laugh at my fears. And, I do not ignore the realities of bills that need to be paid. I simply will not give in to the notion that there is no hope. And, not giving in, I will act once more, upon the truth that God is upon His throne, thronged by the legions of angels left and right, poised to do His bidding.

Father, I am facing true difficulties. I don’t always understand how the world works or how my life is supposed to proceed. But I do know that You are on Your throne. Today I will live based upon that reality, no matter the dissonance here in this earthbound moment.