Focus on Him

This week’s topic is the sovereignty of God. Simply stated, God has absolute power and authority over all of His creation. He has the right and ability to accomplish whatever He chooses, and nothing can prevent or ultimately thwart His plans and purposes. Job expressed this truth after experiencing tremendous suffering: "I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted."— Job 42:2 (ESV).​

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When we look at the world through earthly eyes rather than heavenly vision, God’s sovereignty can be a difficult attribute for us to understand and accept. We see things happening around us that we don't agree with, don't understand, or wish were different. We may even question whether God is truly in control when circumstances seem so far removed from what we believe should happen. But heavenly vision begins with who God is, not with what we think should be happening. It recognizes that God's plans and purposes are perfect because they come from a God who is all-knowing and perfect in wisdom. His purposes are not based on limited information, changing circumstances, or a reaction to something unexpected. God has never been surprised or caught off guard. Psalm 135:6–7 gives us a glimpse of God's sovereign authority over all creation:​

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“Whatever the LORD pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps. He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth, who makes lightnings for the rain and brings forth the wind from his storehouses.” — Psalm 135:6–7 (ESV)

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​But there is another aspect of God's sovereignty that I find especially encouraging. Isaiah 40 is a powerful chapter describing the greatness, power, and sovereignty of God. Isaiah reminds us that God created the heavens, knows the stars by name, and is beyond comparison with anyone or anything. His greatness should leave us humbled. Yet, in the middle of describing this awesome and sovereign God, Isaiah gives us another picture of who He is:​

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"He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young."— Isaiah 40:11 (ESV)

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​What an incredible picture! The God who rules over all creation is also a gentle Shepherd. His power and authority are not separated from His love and care for us. He doesn't simply rule over His creation from a distance; He knows His people, gathers them close, carries them when they are weak, and gently leads them. How blessed we are to have a God who is both sovereign and loving!

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​So, what does this mean when we face difficult circumstances? God's sovereignty means that no circumstance, tragedy, or evil can ultimately escape His authority or defeat His purposes. This does not mean that everything that happens is good or that we will always understand why God allows certain things. It means that even when this world seems out of control, God is not. He remains in control and is able to work through even the most difficult circumstances to accomplish His purposes.

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Charles Spurgeon captured this comfort beautifully:

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​"When you go through a trial, the sovereignty of God is the pillow upon which you lay your head." — Charles H. Spurgeon​

Personal Reflection

• Do I find comfort in the truth that God holds all in His control even when I do not understand all that He is doing and why?