the sovereignty of god

“Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’ calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it.” Isaiah 46:8-11 (ESV)
What comes to mind when you hear the word “sovereign”? Do you picture a monarch sitting on a throne? Does a feeling of having no control come over you?
What about when you think of the sovereignty of God? Does that evoke the same thoughts and feelings as the word sovereign?
Perhaps you have the same thoughts and feelings with each of these examples. Or perhaps, like me, you have different feelings depending on who “The Sovereign” is in your mind. When I think of a monarch on a throne, feelings of fear and dread tend to creep in. I’m reminded of my British history class, and the stories of evil and cruel kings and queens who ruled England throughout the centuries.
However, when I think of the sovereignty of God, it evokes an entirely different feeling. This is because of what I know about God– that he is loving, just, gracious, and merciful. Knowing this about God’s character, I am comforted by the fact that He is in complete control of all things that happen in creation.
There are many things in this broken world that can cause us to fear. We have all experienced hardship and pain, but if we belong to Christ, “We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 says God’s sovereignty is such a relief to those who follow Christ. In a sermon on Matthew 20:15, Charles Spurgeon put it this way, “There is no attribute more comforting to His children than that of God’s Sovereignty. Under the most adverse circumstances, in the most severe trials, they believe that Sovereignty has ordained their afflictions, that Sovereignty overrules them, and that Sovereignty will sanctify them all.”
Take some time this week to ponder how you have seen God’s sovereign hand at work in your life, and praise Him for what He has done and will do to accomplish His purpose!