A pincer move begins with a single pawn, pushed forward on the board. In the grand scheme, that pawn is expendable — probably only moved to make way for something bigger. In real life, people do the same to one another. We become pawns in someone else’s plan.
We have all been on the wrong end of a scheme — plotting, deception, guile designed to twist the goodness of God for someone else’s gain. Somewhere in the larger picture, we’ve each been used in another person’s strategy, without our consent, for their benefit.
Just as in Psalm 2, people plot. They make plans for personal gain — desire, pleasure, possessions, even hatred. Envy alone can move against you; we see this in the life of Jesus Himself (Mark 15:10). But in the very same way, the Lord is aware of every move made against you with ill intent.
Jesus Christ sees the plots of those who use you as a pawn, or who wish for your downfall. And He laughs. He is fully aware of the scheme, every carefully laid plan — but He is so much more powerful than the ones plotting evil against you that laughter is the appropriate response. Give it time, though, because His laughter will not last forever. He will act. He will terrify them and speak to them in His fury (Psalm 2:6). The Lord has His own plans, and nothing can thwart them. Everything will work out for good, for those who love Him (Romans 8:28). He has both the power and the will.
Lord, please look here. Let Your eyes see the plotting of the godless as they scheme our downfall — the wish to swallow us whole. Powerful people we cannot fight in our own strength rise against us, lifting their devious intent. In doing so, they mock You, setting their sights against those You love. Please, let me hear Your laughter. Let the rhythm of Your joy enter my ears and fill my heart. Let me be strengthened by Your confidence; let my faith echo Your character. In Your strength, may I find rest — until Your laughter turns to action. Praise Your name. You are my Lord and my joy. We ask You, in Your name, help us, so that we may sing of Your faithfulness. We want to kiss You, and be blessed as we find safety and rest under Your refuge. Praise Your name. Amen.
So be encouraged, dear brother and sister in Christ. Whatever you are facing, remember: the Lord laughs at the plans of nations. How much more, then, is He unthreatened by the plans of those who wish you harm? He loves us, and we are called to love one another as He loved us. Let us rest in Him. Those who wish us harm must not take away our love for God or for each other. Be blessed as you take refuge in Him.
“Blessed are those who take refuge in the Lord.” — Psalm 2:12