While many of us have a favorite hymn from the beautifully inspired hymns of praise that have touched our hearts and brought tears to our eyes, The Songs of Zion are unique to our Church. They are songs that belong to a new time; they belong to a new era; they belong to our people. They are songs sent from the throne of God as a gift to The Church of Jesus Christ. They are inspirational and related to Christ and His promises of the latter-day times and events. This gift was given to our late Sister Arlene Buffington, as our songs of hope and joy, looking forward to the fulfillment of the kingdom of Zion, bathed in the latter-day glory of the restoration.

Today I’d like to look at No. 19, “God’s Still on His Throne.” We’ll look at the meaning and application of the song, because it’s too easy to sing without paying attention to the words and their meaning. 

19. GOD’S STILL ON HIS THRONE

VERSE 1

With blessings briefly laid aside, 

And reasons never known, 

One sweet thought consoles my mind: 

God’s still on His throne.

VERSE 2

So many times caught unprepared, 

When sights unreal are shown, 

One thought brightens dark dismay: 

God’s still on His throne.

VERSE 3

Oh, when the battle cries are heard, 

And shattered are His own, 

Then I whisper to myself: 

God’s still on his throne.

VERSE 4

But oh, what vision lights the way, 

When wondrous love is shown, 

And a silent voice repeats: 

God’s still on His throne.

VERSE 5

When winter’s chill comes far too soon, 

And summer’s warmth has flown, 

What a precious truth to know: 

God’s still on His throne.

CHORUS

God’s still on His throne, go tell it, 

God’s still on His throne. 

Heaven knows it and earth shows it. 

God’s still on His throne.

©1980 Arlene Lea Buffington

“God’s Still on His Throne” was one of the early Songs of Zion—over 40 years old, but it hasn’t grown old! The words are uplifting and refreshing, reminding us that no matter what happens in our personal lives, in our nation or in the world, God’s still on His throne, and we can’t forget it.

Even the verses lay out the concerning conditions in our lives: 

• blessings briefly laid aside, and reasons never known
• many times caught unprepared, when sights unreal are shown
• when the battle cries are heard, and shattered are His own
• when winter’s chill comes far too soon, and summer’s warmth has flown

We are reminded over and over again:

• one sweet thought consoles my mind 
• one thought brightens dark dismay
• a whisper to ourselves
• a silent voice repeating the precious truth

…that God’s still on His throne! 

A wonderful example of remaining focused on God through adversity is found in Moroni 9:25-26. Moroni writes to his son during extremely challenging times—so challenging and burdensome that he feared the extinction of a righteous people. 

He wrote this: “My son, be faithful in Christ; and may not the things which I have written grieve thee, to weigh thee down unto death; but may Christ lift thee up, and may his sufferings and death, and the showing his body unto our fathers, and his mercy and long-suffering, and the hope of his glory and of eternal life, rest in your mind forever. And may the grace of God the Father, whose throne is high in the heavens, and our Lord Jesus Christ, who sitteth on the right hand of his power, until all things shall become subject unto him, be, and abide with you forever. Amen.” 

Another reference to the hope and confidence we have is found in 1 Peter 1:4-9. 

“To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.”

Let this theme be our constant refrain and reminder. Let this song repeat over and over in heart, especially as we face and deal with challenges, doubt, problems, insecurities, fears, chaos, or confusion! 

Let this song capture the reminder that we MUST remain faithful, placing our full trust in Christ, confident that despite everything we see around us, His promises are sure and true and that through it all … God’s still on His throne! 

May God bless you

And, if you’re interested in learning more about the Songs of Zion or just listening to the Songs, here’s a link to the Songs of Zion website: https://thesongsofzion.com/

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.

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