Sermon by Pastor Nathan Johnson, April 27, 2025
In a world that seems increasingly chaotic, where power grabs and authoritarian tendencies appear to be on the rise, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and anxious. But what if there was a way to find calm confidence amidst the turmoil? What if we could tap into a source of strength that transcends the fleeting power structures of this world?
The truth is, we can. And it all starts with a profound realization: Power belongs to God.
This simple yet transformative idea, expressed beautifully in Psalm 62, has the potential to revolutionize how we navigate the challenges of our time. Let’s explore this concept and its implications for our lives.
The Vanity of Man and the Supremacy of God
In Psalm 62, David, facing relentless attacks from his enemies, declares:
“I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken.”
David understood something crucial that we often forget: compared to God, all human power is ultimately insignificant. He goes on to say:
“Common people are as worthless as a puff of wind, and the powerful are not what they appear to be. If you weigh them on the scales, together they are lighter than a breath of air.”
This perspective is a game-changer. When we truly internalize that even the most seemingly powerful individuals are but a “puff of wind” in God’s eyes, it frees us from the paralyzing fear that can grip us when we face opposition or injustice.
How many of us give too much weight to those God has declared weightless? How often do we ascribe too much relevance to those God has deemed irrelevant? The fear of man is indeed a trap, as Proverbs tells us. But when we recognize the supreme power of God, we can break free from that trap and find a place of unshakeable confidence.
The Futility of Taking Matters into Our Own Hands
In times of crisis or when faced with injustice, it’s tempting to want to take matters into our own hands. We might be inclined to fight fire with fire or return evil for evil. But David warns against this approach.
“Don’t make your living by extortion or put your hope in stealing. And if wealth increases, don’t make it the center of your life.”
When we try to combat evil with our own methods, we risk becoming the very thing we’re fighting against. We discount God’s power, disregard His promises, and dishonor His presence in our lives. Instead, we’re called to a higher standard – to mirror God rather than mimicking our enemies.
The Infinite Ability of God
The cornerstone of David’s calm confidence is his unwavering belief in God’s absolute, exclusive, and infinite power. He declares:
“God has spoken once, twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God.”
This isn’t just any power – it’s all-encompassing, eternal power. It’s the power that existed before time began and will continue long after our current troubles have passed. It’s power to create, to sustain, to control, and to transform.
Consider the manifestations of God’s power throughout history:
- Power to create something out of nothing
- Power to make a dry path through a mighty sea
- Power to feed His people in the wilderness
- Power to make dry bones live
- Power to make walls fall down
- Power to make the sun stand still
- Power to tame wild beasts
- Power to deliver from trouble
- Power to mend broken hearts
- Power to forgive sins
- Power to transform lives
In light of this, what situation could possibly be too hard for God? As the saying goes, “There is nothing too hard for God.”
Finding Our Calm Confidence
So, how do we cultivate this calm confidence in our own lives? Here are a few key steps:
- Recognize the vanity of human power: Remember that even the most intimidating human authorities are like a “puff of wind” compared to God.
- Resist the urge to take matters into your own hands: Trust in God’s methods and timing rather than resorting to worldly tactics.
- Meditate on God’s infinite power: Regularly remind yourself of the incredible displays of God’s power throughout history and in your own life.
- Pour out your heart to God: When anxiety creeps in, follow David’s advice to trust in God and pour out your heart to Him.
- Stay rooted in community: Surround yourself with others who share this perspective and can encourage you in times of doubt.
A Personal Relationship with the Source of Power
Ultimately, the key to accessing this divine power and confidence is through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He is described as God’s only begotten Son, who came on a mission to seek and save the lost. Through His death on the cross and His resurrection, Jesus demonstrated the ultimate power – power over death itself.
By accepting Christ as our personal Savior, we gain access to this incredible power. As the Scripture says, “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). This indwelling presence of God gives us the ability to say with confidence, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
In a world of power grabs and uncertainty, we have access to a power that transcends all earthly authority. We can face each day with calm confidence, knowing that the One who holds all power is on our side.
As we navigate the challenges of our time, let’s hold fast to this transformative truth: Power belongs to God. May it be the foundation of our peace, the source of our strength, and the wellspring of our hope in these turbulent times.