Psalm 68:24–35
24 Your procession has come into view, O God,
the procession of my God and King into the sanctuary.
25 In front are the singers, after them the musicians;
with them are the maidens playing tambourines.
26 Praise God in the great congregation;
praise the LORD in the assembly of Israel.
27 There is the little tribe of Benjamin, leading them,
there the great throng of Judah’s princes,
and there the princes of Zebulun and of Naphtali.
28 Summon your power, O God;
show us your strength, O God, as you have done before.
29 Because of your temple at Jerusalem
kings will bring you gifts.
30 Rebuke the beast among the reeds,
the herd of bulls among the calves of the nations.
Humbled, may it bring bars of silver.
Scatter the nations who delight in war.
31 Envoys will come from Egypt;
Cush will submit herself to God.
32 Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth,
sing praise to the Lord, Selah
33 to him who rides the ancient skies above,
who thunders with mighty voice.
34 Proclaim the power of God,
whose majesty is over Israel,
whose power is in the skies.
35 You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary;
the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people.
Praise be to God!
What does the future hold? As the new year begins, it is natural to think about the future. We wonder what lies ahead, what challenges may come, what hopes might be fulfilled, and what uncertainties still linger. Psalm 68 ends by lifting our eyes beyond those questions. Instead of anxiety about tomorrow, it gives us a vision filled with praise and promise.
The final verses of Psalm 68 describe a joyful procession. Perhaps David is reflecting on the ark being brought to Jerusalem. God’s people are gathered, musicians and singers lead the way, and the community celebrates. This is not the image of a fearful people bracing for what comes next, but of a confident people rejoicing in who God is. Their hope is not rooted in predictions or plans, but in the presence of the living God who reigns among them.
At the center of this vision is God himself, enthroned in his sanctuary. He is not distant or disengaged. He is present, ruling with power and faithfulness. From this place of reign, God’s influence reaches far beyond Israel. The psalm looks outward and forward as the nations are drawn to acknowledge God’s power. Kings bring tribute, and the peoples of the earth are called to sing praises to the Lord.
Our future is not limited to what we can see or control. God’s purposes extend beyond our calendars and goals. While our plans may change, his kingdom continues to advance. While circumstances may shift, his reign remains secure.
The psalm ends with a beautiful promise: “The God of Israel gives power and strength to his people” (v. 35). God does not simply rule over his people; he blesses them. He strengthens them for the journey ahead. He gives what they need to live faithfully in the world he loves. His reign is not oppressive, but life-giving. His power brings peace.
As we step into 2026, this psalm invites us to anchor our hope in divine faithfulness rather than human achievement. Our confidence does not rest in how well we perform or how carefully we plan, but in the God whose praise will not fail. He continues to gather his people, draw the nations, and pour out strength on those who trust in him.
The future, then, is a space where God is already at work. We can move forward with joy, worship, and hope, confident that the God who has been faithful in the past will remain faithful in the days to come.
Prayer: Lord God, You reign in power and glory, and your faithfulness endures from generation to generation. As we look ahead, lift our eyes from worry and uncertainty and fix them on your kingdom. Strengthen us for the days ahead, gather us in worship, and fill our hearts with hope. May our lives reflect your presence and may we trust that our future rests securely in your hands. Amen.