There’s a phrase we Christians often use to bring comfort to one another. We say, “God is sovereign.” It does bring comfort, but what exactly does it mean?
In general, we think it means that God is in control. Even when ferocious winds are blowing, our lives are a mess and we’re filled with fear, we can take comfort in knowing that it’s going to be alright. Why? Because God is bigger and stronger than the chaos and the storm.
There’s more. God is so multi-dimensional that we couldn’t explore all of him in ten lifetimes. He isn’t just in control; his sovereignty infuses all of life. Sovereignty is all-encompassing, which means God’s attributes are as well. He’s not partially merciful; he’s all merciful. Think of it. Mercy without end!
If God was not sovereign, he would only be partly holy or just or merciful; but he isn’t a “sometimes” God. He is utterly just, merciful and holy.
I love how Easton’s Bible Dictionary puts it: “God has the absolute right to do all things according to his pleasure.” He is not subject to the whims of anyone or anything. No outside sources can force his hand or dictate anything to him.
For example, think of a time when you needed God’s mercy. You felt the entire world was against you, and you thought, “God won’t be on my side this time. I won’t receive forgiveness or mercy. There is no way back, no path to restoration for me.” Yet, there he is, the God of grace, opening the door wide for you. Yes! He has already laid out a path for your future and a brilliant one at that. You have before you a productive, rich life, crafted by God himself!
Lamentations reminds us, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23, ESV). It is generally thought that the prophet Jeremiah wrote Lamentations. Who better than a man who knew God so intimately to proclaim that the God we serve lavishes his mercy upon us from our first breath to our last?
“Settle this within your heart today,” the Lord says. “My love, mercy, holiness, counsel, power – all that I am is complete and without end. I am yours, and you are mine. Come to me!”