In the nation of Iran, citizens are revolting against the ungodly government that has been controlling their lives. The leaders of the government of Iran have locked down the Internet to reduce exposure of their evil. The situation has arrived at a turning point. Current leaders are looking for nations that will accept them after they flee from Iran, having killed thousands of their own people who have publicly resisted their control.  

The Psalmist offers wise instruction for what we see happening in Iran and other nations currently in turmoil. This turmoil is nothing new to God. It’s a repeat of human history. “Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans?” (Psalms 2:1). Nations are angry because, without the Lord’s influence and direction, nothing will work out for the good.

Regarding the plans these leaders made to control the people and hold onto their positions of power, it’s happening because their leaders made plans apart from God. The Lord responds to their plans, “The one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them” (vs. 4).

Wise leaders who want to follow God have an assignment if they want to lead with His wisdom: “Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance” (vs. 8). If new leaders in Iran seek the wisdom of God, the Lord will help those leaders make decisions that will have long-term significance. It will leave behind a Godly inheritance.

“Now then, you kings, act wisely! Be warned, you rulers of the earth! Serve the Lord with reverent fear and rejoice with trembling” (vs. 10-11). The trembling is the result of having a healthy and reverent fear of the Lord. 

A wise leader will realize their futile plans will not turn the tide. Only when a leader lives in submission to God can His wisdom begin to flow through them, affecting the nation.

Leaders have a choice to make: “Submit to God’s royal son, or he will become angry, and you will be destroyed in the midst of all your activities – for his anger flares up in an instant. But what joy for all who take refuge in him!” (vs. 12).

That joy is not just for a nation’s current leadership; it’s for those who submitted to God and resisted evil. There will be joy revealed among the people who are currently rising up against the evil leadership of Iran that has robbed the people of their joy. 

God is moving in powerful ways among the nations. For those who submit to God’s will and His heart, both for the leaders and the citizens, joy is coming that will be inexpressible.