The Sovereignty of God – An Anchor of Hope
We’ve been looking at some of the Attributes of God. Those things that belong to God, and God alone. God’s Sovereignty is another one of the interesting attributes of God.
When the storms of life wreak havoc on all you know and love, what theological truths anchor your soul? What doctrines do you turn to when the world around you seems to give way under your feet? What truths about God bring you the most comfort when life is uncertain, and nothing makes any sense?
Though all of God’s word is essential for us to read, learn, memorize, and study, and though all of God’s word teaches us all that we need to know to weather the storms of life, there is one theological truth that stands out in times of trial and suffering. There is one doctrine that brings everything into perspective and provides comfort and rest for our weary souls.
God’s Sovereignty
To be sovereign means to have supreme power or authority. Kings are considered sovereign rulers over their nation. The United States is considered a sovereign nation because it governs and rules itself apart from any other foreign power or authority. God is the supreme sovereign because He is Creator and sustainer of all things.
He is ruler over the cosmos and over every living thing.
- “The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all” Ps. 103:19
God is sovereign over His creation.
- “I form light and create darkness, I make well-being and create calamity, I am the LORD, who does all these things.” Isa. 45:7
- “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.” Mt. 10:29
He is sovereign over the affairs of mankind, including rulers and authorities.
- “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.” Prov. 21:1
- “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” Prov. 16:9
He is also sovereign over our salvation, sanctification, and glorification.
- “The God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” 1 Pet. 5:10
- “And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” Rom. 8:30
And nothing and no one can thwart His sovereign plans.
- “All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?”” Dan. 4:35
The doctrine of God’s sovereignty doesn’t stand on its own apart from the rest of Scripture. When we study God’s sovereignty, we have to look at it in light of what Scripture teaches us about His character, for His character and sovereignty are interwoven together. Scripture teaches that God is holy, righteous, good, faithful, merciful, steadfast, and loving.
God’s sovereign plan and the way He rules and reigns over all things flows from His character. For we who have been adopted as his children, God is not just a sovereign King who rules over His kingdom; He is also our good and loving Father who does all things holy, right, and true.
A Sovereign Comfort
The doctrine of God’s sovereignty brings us great comfort in the trials and sufferings of this life. When we are knocked on our feet by an unexpected trial, we can turn to these truths to remind ourselves that nothing happens outside of God’s sovereign control. When life feels as though everything is uncertain and in chaos, we can tell ourselves, “God is not surprised by this.” It is a reminder that though the trial we are facing is a complete surprise to us, it isn’t a surprise to God. He is never asleep or caught unawares. He is never at a loss wondering what to do. He doesn’t fret or worry over what’s happening.
This truth calms our hearts because we know that there are no accidents or random circumstances. God ordains and orchestrates all things. And because God is our good, loving, and faithful Father, we can rest in His holy purposes for us. Even when we don’t understand what is happening, we can trust that God’s plan is good because He is good. He is making us holy and will use every circumstance to that end. As the Heidelberg Catechism says, “He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven; in fact, all things must work together for my salvation.”
This truth also means that all of God’s promises for us will come to pass. God’s Word is filled with glorious promises that bring us great hope. These promises are not wishful thinking. They are not promises like those we make where we intend to follow through on them unless something happens otherwise. God’s promises will take place because nothing can stop them from taking place.
We’re going to be taking another look at God’s Sovereignty as we gather this Sunday at Deer Flat Church. There’s an amazing Lord’s Day that awaits you this Sunday. Come expecting a FRESH encounter with the Living God. I can’t wait to see you!
Loving God and Loving You,
Pastor Dave