The Lord reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity. The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Sing the praises of the Lord, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what he has done. For he who avenges blood remembers; he does not ignore the cries of the afflicted.

Who is in control? Who governs the events that happen in our life, good or bad? I find it, sometimes, is easier for me to take credit for the good things and blame God or others for the bad things. Maybe it is just my generally selfish nature taking over?

Whenever I find myself getting overwhelmed and feeling attacked and worn down, I find stepping back and asking this simple question is a good step for mind health: Who is in control? It reveals so much for me.

The Lord reigns. He reigns over all my relationships. He reigns over all of my health issues. He reigns over my income, my assets, my travels and my emotions. He reigns over all of the things in this world. And he wants to reign in my heart too. But he gives me discretion here, I get to choose if he sits on the throne of my heart.

He reigns in righteousness and equity. He is the only perfectly fair and just one. And he stands to avenge the blood of his people. His wrath is great!

So what does this mean for me in life? If I let the Lord reign in my heart and recognize his reign in every facet of my life, then 1) I will have refuge in him, 2) he will be an impenetrable stronghold for me to run to in trouble, and 3) he will never forsake his followers.

Lord, thank you for your Word and the truths in it. This truth surrounding your reign is powerful. Reign! Reign in all areas of my life. May your reign in my heart project to those around me and bless them. Praise you, Father!