Who Is God?: The Sovereign One

This is a continuation of a series on the attributes of God.

When we speak of God’s attributes, we are talking about those characteristics that help us to understand who He truly is. One of these attributes is “sovereignty.”

Where it is in the Bible

“Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.” (Psalm 115:3)

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.” (Matthew 10:29)

“In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,” (Ephesians 1:11)

What it means

Sovereignty tells of God’s divine control over everything that happens. There is nothing outside the control of His loving Hand: not the designs of the wicked (even the plans of history’s most evil dictators), not the way the earth works itself seemingly against the lives of men (such as earthquakes or typhoons), not the workings of demons (or even Satan), and not my own free will. Romans 8:28 tells us that all things work together for the good of God’s children and verses 38-39 implies that there is nothing beyond the control of God’s sovereign hand.

Why it matters

God’s sovereignty is a huge source of comfort to the believer, for it helps him to know that no matter how chaotic any situation may seem, he really need not fear for God is still in charge and on the throne (and that combined with His love is unassailable).