Psalm 2- Proverbs 2 and My Journey of Hope

Over the past few months, I've found myself wrestling with two looming shadows: the inevitability of decline and death (I'm much better here thanks to this study I have been in), and what appears to be the rise of an oppressive globalist regime that seems to be closing in on every side. These fears can be overwhelming, like a storm cloud that blots out the sun. The thought of losing my freedom, my voice, and my ability to live out my faith authentically—these fears can creep in and gnaw away at my sense of peace. They threaten to push me into a pit of despair, a place where it feels like the fight is already lost before it's even begun.

It could be some anxiety I have over the coming election and the strange soup of 'switching sides' happening where Elon Musk, Tulsi Gabbard, RFK Jr have decided to go all in for Trump and the Bush era Republicans have switched sides to Harris. I won't take time to discuss my evaluation of all of this but both "democrat" and "republican" are terms that no longer carry the meaning of even a decade ago. 

But again, the mistake we make in America is to hyper focus on our country and not see anything from a global perspective- this is where it is aligning and for some reason our elites love to follow Europe but not lead themselves. 

In the midst of this struggle, I recently learned that Billy Graham made a habit of reading one Psalm and one chapter of Proverbs every single day of his life. Inspired by his example, I've started doing the same. I'm only two days into this new regimen, but already I've felt a shift. It's amazing how quickly God's Word can penetrate the fears that threaten to dominate my thoughts. In conjunction with my recent study of Biblical hope, these readings have started to shape my perspective in a profound way.

As I've been studying hope as well, I've realized how crucial it is to anchor myself in something beyond the visible (and really invisible) threats around me. What jumped out about Proverbs 2 and Psalms 2 was finding in them a counter-narrative to the fears that can so easily dominate my mind. 

Proverbs 2 paints a picture of a God who stores up sound wisdom for the upright and is a shield to those who walk in integrity. It's a reminder that wisdom isn't just about having knowledge—it's about knowing where to place my trust. The world may twist and manipulate, but God's wisdom offers clarity and security. This wisdom shields me, not by making the threats disappear, but by equipping me to face them with a discerning heart and a clear mind.

Then there's Psalm 2. This psalm confronts the arrogance of earthly powers head-on. It opens with a scene of rebellious nations plotting against God, but God's response is striking: He laughs. He sees their schemes and knows their limitations. The psalm declares, "He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision." 

My favorite section was- Psalm 2:7–9

[7] I will tell of the decree:

The LORD said to me, “You are my Son;

today I have begotten you.

[8] Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,

and the ends of the earth your possession.

[9] You shall break them with a rod of iron

and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” (ESV)

This is where my hope finds its deepest anchor. No matter how oppressive the forces of this world may seem, they are ultimately subject to the sovereignty of God. This is an awesome promise-  that He will break the chains of oppression and protect His people. This isn't just a future hope; it's a present reality that I need to grasp tightly.

These truths are slowly reshaping how I respond to my fears. I've come to realize that despair is a thief. It doesn't just rob me of joy—it robs me of life itself. It tells me that the battle is already lost, that it's futile to hope, to stand, to believe. But hope in God changes everything. It's not a blind optimism that denies reality, but a steadfast confidence in who God is and what He has promised. It reminds me that I can live with joy and purpose right now, even when the storm clouds gather on the horizon.

I'm still growing in this area. The fears still try to rear their heads, especially when the world seems to edge closer to the scenarios that concern me the most. But Proverbs 2 and Psalms 2 have become touchstones for me, guiding me back to a place of trust. I'm learning that hope requires an active stance—it's a daily decision to look beyond what my eyes can see and trust in the God who holds all things in His hands. I want to continue growing in this wisdom, to cultivate a life where hope isn't just an abstract concept, but a living, breathing reality that guides how I live each day.

In the face of decline, in the face of threats to faith and freedom, I am choosing to trust in the God who laughs at the schemes of the world and shields those who walk in His wisdom. This is my hope, and it casts out the despair that seeks to overshadow it. And I even pray this over my children and grandchildren.

And I will need to take my Psalms/Proverbs vitamins tomorrow to strengthen me on the journey of hope!

Additional material:

The Bible offers a compelling argument against globalism through the stories and symbols found in Scripture. One of the most striking examples is the account of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11. In this story, humanity unites under a single language and government, driven by a desire to make a name for themselves and reach the heavens. This pursuit reflects an attitude of pride and self-glorification, directly opposing God's command to "fill the earth." Instead of scattering and multiplying across the world as God intended, the people sought to consolidate their power, elevating their desires above God's sovereignty.

God intervened in this act of defiance by confusing their language, causing them to scatter across the earth. This divine intervention shows that God opposes a centralized human government that defies His authority and places itself at the center of human aspirations. By scattering humanity, God limits the potential for concentrated power that could lead to collective rebellion against Him. This story illustrates that God's design for humanity involves a diversity of nations and cultures rather than a unified global government.

The symbolism of Babylon in the Book of Revelation further develops this theme. Babylon represents a corrupt and idolatrous world system that stands in opposition to God and His people. This global entity is marked by economic control, spiritual deception, and moral decay, seeking to dominate and lead humanity away from the true worship of God. The Bible describes how God will ultimately judge Babylon, bringing an end to its tyranny and deception. This judgment serves as a warning against placing trust in human institutions that seek to exalt themselves against God's rule. In contrast to the oppressive systems represented by Babylon, God's Kingdom is one of justice, righteousness, and truth.

In Acts 17:26, the Bible teaches that God "made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place." This passage suggests that the diversity of nations is part of God's intentional design. Distinct nations and boundaries serve to prevent the kind of totalitarian control that a one-world government could represent. Throughout history, concentrated power in the hands of a few has often led to oppression and corruption, a reality that aligns with the Biblical understanding of human sinfulness. As Jeremiah 17:9 says, "The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked." A global government, controlled by sinful humanity, could easily become a tool of tyranny, suppressing freedom, and opposing God's moral order.

While it is true that humanity is not meant to live in isolation—"it is not good for man to be alone" (Genesis 2:18)—this speaks more to the need for human relationships and community rather than the establishment of a global government. The Biblical narrative portrays God's design as one where diverse communities and nations flourish under His sovereignty, rather than uniting in defiance of His rule.

The Bible also points to the ultimate hope of God's Kingdom, where Christ will reign as the righteous King. Unlike human attempts at a one-world government, which often lead to oppression and rebellion against God, the Kingdom of God will unite people from every nation, tribe, and tongue in true justice and peace. This Kingdom will not be established through human efforts or political power, but through God's sovereign plan. It is a Kingdom marked not by the tyranny and deception of symbolic Babylon, but by the justice, righteousness, and freedom that come from God's own character.

In the end, the Biblical argument against globalism is not simply a matter of opposing the idea of global unity. Rather, it is a recognition that human attempts to establish a one-world system often result in the rejection of God's sovereignty, the suppression of truth, and the oppression of individuals. In contrast, God's design is for a diversity of nations that respect His authority and acknowledge the limitations of human power. The hope of the Christian faith lies not in a global government but in the coming Kingdom of God, where Christ will rule with perfect justice and peace.