When we go through trials and suffering, we often hear the roaring winds and crashing waves of our troubles the loudest. In those seasons, it can be hard to discern anything but a foreboding sense of pain and loss. We can be easily tempted to quake in fear, run to distraction and entertainment, or give up completely.

The psalmist can relate. Three times he declares, “the floods have lifted up their voice” (v. 3). He paints a picture of loud, all-consuming terror that consumes his attention and drains his energy. But his solution is not to turn his back on God. Neither does he pray the floods would abate and the trials disappear.

He simply confesses this truth: “The Lord reigns; he is robed in majesty” (v. 1). Like the psalmist, we declare this reality: “He reigns when oceans roar, He reigns above the storm.” We know that God is “enthroned on high” and that He is “stronger than the seas...just in His decrees...worthy of our trust...ever here with us.”

The floods of trials may lift up their voice, but the loudest roar and the mightiest thunder comes from the Lord. So tune your ears rightly. Hear his trustworthy Word and believe his decree: “all things work together for good” (Romans 8:28), even floods and storms. Then fix your gaze on his majesty, most gloriously displayed in his love for you at the cross of Christ. There, the flood of God’s wrath was poured out on him instead of you.

The Lord Almighty Reigns (Psalm 93) by Sovereign Grace, from the album Unchanging God: Songs From The Book Of Psalms Vol 1. Reflections curated by Sovereign Grace Music.