Who is Really in Charge? by Amy Withers, Westminster Presbyterian Church Director of Youth Ministries
I had a Jehovah’s Witness stop by my house this weekend. He read Psalm 83:18 to me, and we got to talking about the name of God. His version of the bible said that God’s name is Jehova, and he was pretty insistent that we should be calling God “Jehovah” instead of “God”. He said “God” is the title and “Jehovah” is the name. I mentioned that if my kids suddenly started calling me by my first name instead of “Mom,” it would feel pretty weird, like we were losing that sense of closeness. I think God knows our hearts better than we know our labels.
After the visitor left, I looked up the verse he had shared with me, Psalm 83:18. Reading the whole thing, I realized the writer was going through a pretty rough time. He was looking at a world full of fighting, with nations constantly flexing their muscles and trying to prove who was the biggest and the strongest. It felt surprisingly familiar.
Watching the news lately, especially the reports about the US and Iran, it’s hard not to feel a bit anxious. There’s so much talk of power and military strength, and it’s easy to feel like the world is being run by whoever has the most weapons.
But reading that Psalm reminded me of something really comforting. The whole point of the passage isn’t about what name we use or which nation is the toughest. It’s about remembering who is actually in charge. The Psalmist says, “That they may know that you alone… are the Most High over all the earth.” That means it’s not the US, it’s not other global powers, and it’s not the leaders who are making these decisions. None of them hold the title of “Most High.” God does.
When I look at the news, it’s easy to get caught up in the fear of what’s happening. Will Iran retaliate? Will there be terror attacks across the US? How many innocent lives will be taken? But this was a good reminder to step back. Whether we call God by one name or another, the important part isn't the name itself. It’s trusting that God is still on the throne, even when things here on earth feel completely out of control.
It’s a relief to know that no matter what the headlines say, the ultimate authority isn’t human. We can breathe a little easier knowing that God is still God, and is still in control of the future.
