Sometimes in Christendom, we use phrases and terms that perhaps we don’t understand or we speak above the head of our hearers. We would be wise to understand these terms and phrases ourselves and then accurately define them for others. One such term is the word “sovereign”, “sovereignty” and the phrase “God is sovereign”. If you already know what this means and don’t need further explanation then that is all well and fine. You don’t have to keep reading, but if you need and want to grow then keep scrolling as you might learn something. I assume that everyone needs to learn and grow in some way, right?
“Sovereign” is a term that is connected to words like, “superior” “greatest” and phrases like, “supreme in power and authority”. Someone who is sovereign is a ruler and independent of all others. But when explaining the sovereignty of God I like to use phrases like, “God is in control”. The idea is that there is nothing that happens in the universe that is outside of God’s influence and authority. Jesus says, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). As King of kings and Lord of lords, God has no limitations.
Consider what Colossians 1:16 says,
“ For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities – all things have been created through Him and for Him”.
God created all things and holds all things together as He is above all things and before all things. He is the source of all things. He knows all things, past, present, and future, and there is no limit to His knowledge. Nothing is too difficult for Him as He orchestrates and determines all things in the world around us. My life and your life is controlled by the sovereign God. That is what sovereign means. God is the ultimate source of all power, authority, and everything that exists. God’s sovereignty demands and requires one appropriate response from us who are lower than Him. It requires us to be in subjection to Him in humble worship.
As children, we used to sing: “He’s got the whole world in His hands. He’s got the whole wide world in His hands. He’s got the whole world in His hands; He’s got the whole world in His hands.” This children’s song teaches us that God is sovereign over the world. David writes, “The earth is the LORD’S, and all it contains, The world, and those who dwell in it” (Psalm 24:1). Children and adults need to sing this song with enthusiasm but more importantly, we need to live it enthusiastically!
All of creation belongs to the one who created it and we are in complete subjection to Him. At least we should be.
Today, let me encourage you to let the Sovereign God control your life. Stop trying to figure everything out on your own. Let Him who knows all things, and controls all things, control you.
God is sovereign!
I love you,
Alex