“Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans?” (Psalm 2:1 NLT)

On this date when Americans celebrate Independence Day, we are appropriately thankful for God’s blessing on the USA. Yet, many of us are troubled by the news of nations and terrorists threatening war and violence in the world. This same verse from Psalms 2 was quoted in prayer by the first century Christians (Acts 4:25-26) when they were being persecuted by their political leaders for preaching the gospel. They prayed that God would handle the threats and “futile plans” of leaders like Pilate and Herod, while giving them boldness to keep preaching the Word. So, on this July 4th, I’m praying like they did. Kings and rulers may plot against the Lord’s anointed, against Christ and His Church, but the Lord God who rules in heaven “laughs” (Psa. 2:4) at them.