©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com
Who’s on the throne in your life?
Is it empty? Occupied by an intruder? Are you in it?
As I strolled past the mall’s holiday display of Santa’s greeting area, I noticed the large throne in the center was empty. The décor around the majestic seat looked festive and inviting.
Flocked Christmas trees. Gift boxes and bows. Lanterns and stringed lights.
How fun it would be to sneak past the protective roped barricade, plop into that throne-seat, and to curl up with that cozy white stole around me.
It’s inviting, isn’t it? Tempting too. For us to sit on the throne. To be the one in charge. And, the world’s messages often entice us to do just that.
Other aspects of our lives can also push their way into that center seat. Career. Material possessions. Social media. Achievements. Leisure and entertainment.
Even good things can be elevated to little gods on thrones.
As humans, we have to be on guard that we don’t start to think that we, or someone else or something else, can deliver what we need.
In reality, only God can.
And, let’s not forget to keep a lookout for those stealth throne-stealers – anxiety, worry, anger, envy, comparison, unforgiveness, and selfishness. Those can sneak into that throne seat and start to rule our hearts and minds, directing our thoughts, emotions, actions and reactions.
Even a person or relationship can be “put on the highest pedestal” in our lives. And, it’s becoming more common for what’s called a parasocial connection with a celebrity, sports figure or influencer to take a leadership role in minds. Perhaps without even realizing it, by giving more time and attention and priority to those, we start to shove aside the One who loves us the most, our Creator, Savior, Counselor, Healer, Friend, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
My brother, who battled alcohol addiction for years before getting sober and then coached others to do so, told me some coming into rehab wanted to claim famous basketball players or movie stars as their Higher Power. One even stated his higher power was going to be a frog.
“Sure, you can claim whatever you choose as your Higher Power,” Terry told them. “But when you choose, make sure to consider who has the power to answer your prayers. And, only God has that power.”
Yes, we each have the choice about who we put on the throne in our lives. God gives us free will. Freedom, not force.
Whatever we choose, God is still on The Throne. The throne that reigns over all the universe. The everlasting throne.
The question is whether we’re inviting Him to be on the throne in our lives. Daily.
We have the choice to not cede the throne of our lives (or try to occupy it ourselves) but instead to invite God to be Lord of our lives every day.
Consider these five A+ ways to keep God on the Throne in your life:
- Acknowledge His power.
- Ask Him to reign in your life – to guard your heart and guide your actions.
- Abandon that which competes and opposes His leadership.
- Abide in Him and His Word.
- Act on His counsel and leading.
The imagery and symbolism in the descriptions of the Lord God on the throne in Revelation 4 point us to the love, sacrifice, majesty, strength, durability, purity, and permanence of God.
At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne…
They lay their crowns before the throne and say: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” Revelation 4:2-3, 10-11
Putting God on the throne in our lives is about recognizing who He is – and who we’re not.
The Lord alone has the power to offer mercy, to blanket us with peace, and to ignite joy in us.
The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength; indeed, the world is established, firm and secure. Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity. Psalm 93:1-2
- When you think of the word “throne,” what comes to mind? How does that impact your view of God?
- What competes for your attention and distracts you from time spent with God?
- When was a time you witnessed God’s power in your life?
- How can you keep God in the center of CHRISTmas – and on the throne of your life this year? Look at the five A+ ways above and identify specific actions to take.
Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Revelation 19:6
Remember…
Life is Better When It’s Full – Joy-full, Thank-full, Purpose-full and Friend-full! ™
*Unless otherwise noted, Scripture references are from New International Version (NIV)