Thursday, November 27, 2014

Thanksgiving for a Sovereign God

This Thanksgiving, as I reflect on all that the Lord has done for me, I am especially grateful for His sovereignty. The more I read His Word, the more I am humbled by this truth: we are the clay in the hand of the Potter--not the potter of the clay. And the more I wrestle with this truth, the more I appreciate it. I am thankful, very thankful, that God is a sovereign God.

The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.
(Proverbs 16:9 NASB)
 
It's an amazing thought that despite our free will, God is still in complete control. How are we to believe in the promises He has made to us otherwise? How do we know for sure that if we commit our works to the Lord, our plans will be established? (Proverbs 16:2) How do we know for sure that God will work all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Isn't it accurate to say that if God is not sovereign, than what kind of a god is He?
 
But praise be to the Lord, the Bible is overwhelmingly clear that God is completely sovereign! Nothing happens outside of His predetermined plan. He has never had or will ever need a "Plan B". Everything works together after the council of His will. (Ephesians 1:11) What an amazing truth this is, and what an amazing God we serve!
 
This is equally true of salvation. God is in sovereign control of all those He will draw to Himself, and even this is an immensely comforting truth, for we know that of all whom the Father draws, Christ will not lose a single one! (John 6:39,44) So then, it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy. (Romans 9:16)--and God is a merciful God!
 
 
Let us praise God for all He is and all He as done for us this Thanksgiving, amen?
 
 
A Psalm of Praise, of David. I will extol You, my God, O King, And I will bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You, And I will praise Your name forever and ever. Great is the LORD, and highly to be praised, And His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of Your majesty And on Your wonderful works, I will meditate. Men shall speak of the power of Your awesome acts, And I will tell of Your greatness. They shall eagerly utter the memory of Your abundant goodness And will shout joyfully of Your righteousness. The LORD is gracious and merciful; Slow to anger and great in lovingkindness. The LORD is good to all, And His mercies are over all His works. All Your works shall give thanks to You, O LORD, And Your godly ones shall bless You.
(Psalm 145:1-10 NASB)


3 comments:

  1. Amen! This is such an important thing to understand during periods of trial and difficulty. Our pastor, Jerid, preached last Sunday on Samuel 16:14-23 which speaks of David's providential appointment to the position of Saul's musician. You can find the audio here: http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=112514212535

    "If God can bring good out of Christ's death on the cross, he can bring good out of anything." (Pastor Jerid)

    ReplyDelete
  2. That's so true, Michael! Happy Thanksgiving!

    ReplyDelete