Rejoice With Trembling

(Note: St. Augustine is famous for writing a book called “The Confessions,” which was written completely as a prayer to God. In the same spirit, I plan to write these posts as a prayer to God.)

“Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” (Psalm 2:10–12, ESV)

Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth.

Heavenly Father, I lift up all those who are leaders: Presidents, Governors, Mayors, Church Leaders, Parents, and so many others. I pray that you would grand them true wisdom. Help them rule as those under your authority. Help them rule as servants of the King of kings and Lord of Lords. Help them seek your kingdom first, and your righteousness, as they rule over their particular areas. Help them not to trust in their own wisdom and authority, but look to you in every decision they make. 

Father, help me realize this applies to me. Open my eyes so I rest more fully on you and your wisdom. Help me live each day as one under your authority—as a servant of the King of kings. Help me trust in your wisdom. Father, hold on to your promise: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5, ESV). I’m asking for your wisdom, Father. I’m asking in faith. Please grant it to me. 

Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

Father, show me that true wisdom comes through a proper fear and knowledge of you (Proverbs 1:7). I want to live each day as one who rightly understands who You are and lives in submission to You. I want to rightly fear you, but I want that fear to be mixed with rejoicing. I want to more fully understand what it means to “rejoice with trembling.” 

Father, I ask you to reveal yourself to me more fully. Help me see your greatness and power so that I find myself rejoicing and trembling at your greatness. Help me see your greatness, then stir my heart to adore You, submit to You, trust You, and find joy in You. Help me truly worship you in everything I do—every moment of every day. 

Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled.

Father, I know that I have a rebellious heart. Deep down inside, I want to do what I want to do—always. I want to have things my own way. I want everyone to submit to me—and to submit to no one. Help me see that this stubbornness only leads to your anger and wrath—to death. 

Father, I’m sorry. Please forgive me for being stiff-necked. Help me kiss your Son in joyful submission. Help me to lovingly and joyfully give my entire life to you. Help me to daily take up my cross, deny myself, and follow Jesus Christ. Yet, I want to do that with a loving, joyful submission. I want to kiss the Son. 

Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

Father, help me stop relying on my own strength and abilities. Especially during difficult times of trial, I have a tendency to rely more fully on myself. I have a tendency to think I can save myself in my own strength. How foolish! Forgive me, Father. Help me see that there is no blessing in trying to save myself. There is no blessing in trying to take refuge in myself. 

Father, help me find true blessing by taking refuge in Jesus Christ. Help me rely more fully on him each day. Help me take refuge in Him in the midst of difficult times and seasons. Help me trust Him as King of kings and Lord of lords. Help me rest in the salvation that He has given me. Help me rest in the blessedness that only comes through trusting in Jesus Christ.