What Makes God Laugh?

We don’t often think of God laughing, but Psalm 2 tells us He does! In this passage, we see at least one thing that God laughs at: nations opposing him and, specifically in this passage, the opposition of political leaders.

Few years have given us a greater experience of the government’s impact on our lives than 2020. And tensions aren’t easing as we approach an election. In times like this, when the world is consumed with uncertainty, Christians can wonder what kind of political and social future in which we’ll soon be called to be faithful.

Every political authority on the planet is granted their authority on loan from God (Rom. 13:1). God created civil government to be a common grace gift to humanity to preserve peace and carry out justice. But we know that in this fallen world, humanity, nations, and civil leaders rebel —whether consciously or not— against God’s authority.

In our own strength, none of us can stare “kings of the earth” and “rulers” in the face and laugh at their military, political, and economic power. However, the Almighty God claims both supreme power in the universe and all authority (Matthew 28:18).

When political leadership opposes God, he doesn’t freak out. Though the world panics when an evil tyrant wields nuclear weapons, or national elections threaten grave consequences, or governments try to stamp out the gospel message, God doesn’t scramble frantically or watch elections with unease. He certainly has compassion and care for the oppressed, but God is never anxious that these political powers pose even the slightest threat to his universal supremacy or his purpose for our churches.

These nations and their governments may shake their fists at God and pretend that all their political, legal, military, and economic power can “burst” the “bonds” of God, but Psalm 2 tells us that the Lord humiliates these rebels with his response. He laughs at them.

The raging of the nations is ridiculous to God.

Psalm 2 ends with an incredible promise about the Lord: “Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” The times are chaotic. The nations are raging. The future is threatening. But God is not afraid. His justice is coming. He has made the nations Christ’s “heritage.” He will bring retribution for the rebellious while being a refuge for the redeemed. For followers of Christ, our God is on his throne, and all the raging of the nations cannot drown out the laughter of the Lord. It’s not even close.