One of the most famous verses in Psalm 103 is number 19: “The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.”

God’s throne is in heaven. And his kingdom rules over all. Note the word “all.”

About this Matthew Henry writes: “there is no exempt jurisdiction.”*

Therefore, his throne rules over Canada, Cambodia, Mexico and Malaysia, the Bronx, babbling brooks, and baseball fields.

Why is this important, you might ask?

Because there is nowhere you can go where God is not. In Psalm 139:7 David asks, “Where can I flee from your presence?” Nowhere!

I point this out to encourage you.

If you drive far away in an attempt to escape your troubles, God is present and attentive. If you feel alone in your thoughts, God is present and attentive. If you fear the middle of the night, God is present and attentive. If your financial situation has changed and you don’t know what to do, God is present and attentive. If there has been a lot of change in your life and you barely recognize what is going on, God is present and attentive.

God’s rule isn’t to oppress and provoke, but to love and liberate. 

Seek his face—when you’re on a walk or lying in bed, when you’re alone or in a crowd, when you’re feeling content or confused, when you’re where you want to be or when you feel like nothing is working out. There is no exempt jurisdiction.

We cannot flee from the throne of God. That’s a good thing. Because he’s always close with help and hope.

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Notes:

–*Matthew Henry, A Commentary on the Whole Bible: Volume 3—Job to Song of Solomon (Revell, 1710), 626.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.