Acknowledging the Sovereignty of God

A devotional reading from the Word For Today (September 20, 2015).

   In the book of Lamentations, chapter three describes Jeremiah’s despair, and how he conquered it. He opens with: ‘I am the man who has seen affliction…’ (Lamentations 3:1 NAS), and it intensifies as he lists all his troubles.

The fact is, when our circumstances deteriorate, we can sound a lot like Jeremiah. At first he sounds like he’s blaming God for his afflictions. In prayer he recites his troubles and fears of being singled out as an object of public ridicule. No wonder he felt powerless and hopeless! (Lamentations 3:18) That kind of situation, handled badly, can initiate and intensify despair, depression and feed a negative outlook on life.

Here’s the lesson to be learned: ‘This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope.’ Jeremiah acknowledged God’s goodness and mercy: ‘Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed… His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.’ (Lamentations 3:22–23 NIV)

He also acknowledged the Lord’s sovereignty in his trouble: ‘For the Lord... though He causes grief, yet He will show compassion according to the multitude of His mercies... Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that woe and well–being proceed?’ (Lamentations 3:31–38 NKJV). There is light at the end of the tunnel.

When you acknowledge the sovereignty of God in all things it gives your faith in Him a boost, no matter what! Take your mind off what's wrong, and focus on what is right and unchanging - focus on Him!  It doesn’t happen automatically; you have to deliberately refocus your thinking at the very time when you feel least like doing it.

Notice: Jeremiah’s circumstances didn’t improve—his outlook did. He was reminded of the sovereign goodness and faithfulness of God—and his depression lifted: ‘“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I have hope in Him.”’ (Lamentations 3:24 NAS).

I will follow Him; I will trust you all the days of my life

Have faith in God's faithfulness

This is a devotion from the Word for Today.

He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.’ 1 Thessalonians 5:24

Do you feel like God is leading you to do a certain thing or move in a certain direction and you’re feeling anxious because you’ve got lots of unanswered questions? Then read this:
  ‘By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.’ (Hebrews 11 v 8) 

That’s what you must do too! Not only will you not have answers to all your questions, sometimes you won’t be able to explain what you’re doing to the people you love either. God’s Word says, ‘He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.’ 

So you can say, ‘I don’t know all the details or how this is going to work out, but I do know that God has promised to be faithful and that is all I need.’  In other words, your faith is in the faithfulness of God. It doesn’t get any better than that! ‘Blessed be the Lord, who has given rest to His people… according to all that He promised. There has not failed one word of all His good promise, which He promised.’ (1 Kings 8 v 56)

Even if you stumble on the road to success, the Bible says, ‘If we are faithless, He remains faithful.’ (2 Timothy 2:13) Will Satan attack you? Yes. You will be tempted, challenged and face adversity....   ‘But the Lord is faithful, who will establish… and guard you from the evil one.’ (2 Thessalonians 3 v 3).

[That doesn't mean to say that life will be 'just dandy'... it won't be free from troubles, adversity, challenges, struggles. The reality is, life is not perfect, it isn't all roses, BUT we have the Lord God on our side who is with us and "for us; (so) who can be against us?" Romans 8 v 31.  There is a reason for everything we go through - it is for our good. How can that be? Gold only forms under pressure. Strength, courage and resilience only comes through experiencing adverity. Our faith is strengthened through adversity, because we get a glimpse of His power.]

Knowing that, your attitude should be to ‘hold fast the confession of [your] hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.’ (Hebrews 10:23).

Today have faith in God’s faithfulness. Know that He is WITH YOU - ALWAYS.