GOD IS STILL ON THE THRONE

        We live in a world that is in turmoil.  Terrorism, radical Islam and increasing crime threaten all of us.  Attacks on Christianity are becoming more common in today's culture.  The economy threatens jobs and savings.  Earthquakes, fires, hurricanes and tornados spread destruction.  And politics in the USA are just crazy. And at times even believers find themselves wondering where God is in all of this turmoil.  Is He in control?   But that isn't a new question.  David's enemies mocked him with that very question: "Where is your God?" (Psalm 42:3, 10).   But the truth is that God is still on the throne.  We know the Lord reigns, and reigns forever, because it is clearly taught in the Word of God.  It's something we also know by faith.  "The LORD is King forever and ever" (Psalm 10:16; 29:10). "The LORD shall reign forever" (Psalm 146:10). "The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all" (Psalm 103:19). "Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom" (Psalm 145:13). "Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen" (I Timothy 1:17). God is indeed still enthroned in glory, and nothing happens to us that is beyond His knowledge, sovereign control and ability to turn to a good purpose. Further, we know that one day He'll return, and make all things right (Acts 1:10 -11).  I will be leading worship this week for a retreat for senior citizens at Pinebrook Bible Conference and I was looking for a theme chorus when I came upon this week's hymn choice.  I remember often hearing it sung in prayer meetings when I was growing up.  It is an important reminder to believers that, even in these difficult times, God is still on the throne and He cares for His own.  And someday we will reign with Him in a perfect time and place.  In the meantime He remembers us and will not forget us.  He gives us the strength and wisdom that we need for our daily living.  The words and music to this hymn were written in 1929 by Kittie L. Suffield (1884 - 1972). Before her conversion, at the age of nineteen, Mrs. Suffield had hopes of becoming a concert artist, either as a coloratura soprano or a pianist. But when she came to Christ, she dedicated all of her gifts to His service. How she and her husband met is an interesting story. Fred Suffield, a Canadian, was awakened one night by an urgent pounding on his door. The caller reported that a train had been stalled nearby in the blizzard conditions that winter night. The caller feared the passengers were in danger of freezing to death. Suffield went to the train and invited them all back to his house. One of them, Kitty Jennett, wrote a note to thank him for his kindness, and out of that, and some exchanged correspondence, a relationship developed.  The two were later brought to Christ at a church in Ottawa by the pastor, A. J. Shea.  Kitty Suffield was instrumental in encouraging the pastor's teen-aged son to use his voice to sing God's praises. His name was George Beverly Shea. Kitty and her preacher husband eventually formed a much traveled evangelistic team, sometimes with Shea.  In addition to this hymn, she also wrote "Little Is Much When God Is in It."   Maybe this week's hymn choice is a reminder that you need this week.  Are you worried, anxious, distressed?  Then be reminded that God has a plan for this world and for believers and He is in complete control.  Theologian A.W. Pink states, "Divine sovereignty means that God is God in fact, as well as in name, that He is on the Throne of the universe directing all things."  This hymn reminds us of the Sovereignty of God. God is still on the throne no matter what happens in this world - even the November election in the United States. Give your burdens to Him and trust in Him knowing that He is all-knowing, all-powerful, always present and that He promises and gives peace beyond all understanding.  Trust Him for God is still on the throne.

1.     Have you started for glory and Heaven?

Have you left this old world far behind?

In your heart is the Comforter dwelling?

Can you say, "Praise the Lord, He is mine"?

Have the ones that once walked on the highway

Gone back, and you seem all alone?

Keep your eyes on the prize, for the home in the skies;

God is still on the throne.

God is still on the throne,

And He will remember His own;

Tho' trials may press us and burdens distress us,

He never will leave us alone;

God is still on the throne,

He never forsaketh His own;

His promise is true, He will not forget you,

God is still on the throne.

2.     Burdened soul, is your heart growing weary

With the toil and the heat of the day?

Does it seem that your path is more thorny

As you journey along on life's way?

Go away and in secret before Him

Tell your grief to the Savior alone;

He will lighten your care, for He still answers prayer;

God is still on the throne.

God is still on the throne,

And He will remember His own;

Tho' trials may press us and burdens distress us,

He never will leave us alone;

God is still on the throne,

He never forsaketh His own;

His promise is true, He will not forget you,

God is still on the throne.

3.     You may live in a tent or a cottage,

Unnoticed by those who pass by;

But a mansion for you He is building

In that beautiful city on high;

It will outshine the wealth and the splendor

Of the richest on earth we have known;

He's the Architect true, and He's building for you;

God is still on the throne.

God is still on the throne,

And He will remember His own;

Tho' trials may press us and burdens distress us,

He never will leave us alone;

God is still on the throne,

He never forsaketh His own;

His promise is true, He will not forget you,

God is still on the throne.

4.     He is coming again, is the promise

To disciples when He went away;

In like manner as He has gone from you,

You will see Him returning some day;

Does His tarrying cause you to wonder,

Does it seem He's forgotten His own?

His promise is true, He is coming for you;

God is still on the throne.

God is still on the throne,

And He will remember His own;

Tho' trials may press us and burdens distress us,

He never will leave us alone;

God is still on the throne,

He never forsaketh His own;

His promise is true, He will not forget you,

God is still on the throne.

I had a very difficult time finding a good video of this hymn.  I finally settled on one which is adequate but not outstanding.       LISTEN