MIF 19:6 (Nov-Dec 1987)
The Sovereignty of God
“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
God speaks through this psalm, telling us to be still, be at rest, and humbly acknowledge the fact of His sovereignty in the affairs of the universe. The words “sovereign” and “sovereignty” are not found in the Bible, but the concept is clear throughout, declaring that His excellence and superiority are beyond our comprehension. As Creator of the universe, His dominion over it is absolute and final. He is in complete control of the affairs of men and makes no mistakes dispensing His justice and benevolence. We can trust Him fully in the midst of all circumstances.
Whatever trials and afflictions we experience are according to God’s will. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). We need only to be calm and patient and obey His will, and He will exercise His sovereign right to direct our lives to accomplish His divine purposes. His methods are beyond our understanding, but such passages as Psalm 119 make it clear that His Word is final and His rule is sovereign.
It is by God’s sovereign grace that we are saved and our sins are forgiven; there is rest and peace for all who submit to His sovereignty. Our Lord taught His disciples to pray, acknowledging God’s sovereignty in Matthew 6:13, “for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever, Amen.”
“Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and His redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God” (Isaiah 44:6).