A Practice in Lectio Divina

on August 4, 2025 by TaeHun Yoon

THE MAJESTY OF GOD’S RULE

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[PREPARATIO | Preparation]

After a refreshing stroll through the park with my two dogs,I returned to my chair and entered into quiet. I began with an Eastern Orthodox prayer for a new day:

“We give You hearty thanks for the rest of the past night and for the gift of this new day, with its opportunities of pleasing You. Grant that we may so pass its hours in the perfect freedom of Your service, that at eventide we may again give thanks unto You. Amen.”

Then I softly sang Fanny J. Crosby’s hymn, “Close to Thee” (1874):

Thou my everlasting portion, more than friend or life to me;
All along my pilgrim journey, Savior, let me walk with Thee.
Close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee.
All along my pilgrim journey, Savior, let me walk with Thee.

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[LECTIO | Reading]

I stilled myself with three deep breaths, then slowly read Psalm 93:1–5 in multiple translations. The passage was brief, but full of power:

“The Lord reigns! He is robed in majesty and armed with strength.
The world stands firm and cannot be shaken.
The seas have lifted up, O Lord, the seas have lifted up their voice.
But mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea—
the Lord on high is mighty.
Holiness adorns your house, O Lord, forevermore.”

In these words, I heard the timeless voice of the Creator, clothed in authority, reigning forever with strength and beauty—even above the roaring floods of chaos and despair.

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[ORATIO | Prayer]

Images from Scripture flooded my mind.

I saw Israel passing through the parted Red Sea—walls of water on either side—as Pharaoh’s armies pursued. The power of God’s deliverance struck me deeply.

Then another vision emerged: the Israelites dancing as they carried the Ark of the Covenant back to Zion, after reclaiming it from the Philistines.

My heart responded in praise to the Almighty King—who not only saves but reigns with majesty. In Him, I found the strength to face past burdens and afflictions. His rule rescues and renews.

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[CONTEMPLATIO | Contemplation]

In my mind’s eye, I placed myself on the quiet trail of Abram’s Falls in Cades Cove. It is Monday morning. No one is around. I sit in solitude. Silence surrounds me.

I let go of every thought—even thanksgiving—and simply rest.

I see the tender beauty of wildflowers and the scattered leaves of early autumn. Around the world, there are wars and uprisings—people marching against injustice. Thunderclouds roar over the mountains.

Yet above it all, the sun breaks through. The light is steady.

God reigns.

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[INCARNATIO | Incarnation]

In this stillness, I realize: God has clothed me with His majesty—like a flood of glory and authority.

His justice does not waver. He does not turn away from truth. He refuses to bless prejudice, partiality, or silent approval of evil. His rule is righteous and unwavering.

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[Manifestatio (Living the Word)]

I rise in confidence.

The power of the Holy Spirit will lead and sustain me throughout this week. Wherever I go, at any time, His grace will be with me.

To Him be all honor and praise—forever reigning King.