Out of all the attributes of the Almighty I AM that I have studied, the one I found difficult to process is His sovereignty. As a woman, mother, and wife, I always want to make sure my family is safe and taken care of. When challenges happen that are painful and out of our human control, fear wants to have a grip of us. But all this fear comes from our lack of deeply knowing that God is a loving God, who truly cares for what we go through in life. Understanding this attribute of His sovereignty will help us have peace and blindly trust God as a child and facing life in a fearless manner.
The word ‘sovereignty’ holds a profound meaning and significance, and is intimately tied to the nature of our Almighty God, Yahweh, the I AM.
Let’s briefly explore the Biblical foundation of God's sovereignty, its implications for our lives, and how it relates to our encounters with Him.
The meaning of His Sovereignty
Sovereignty, in the context of our Creator, refers to His absolute and supreme authority over all creation. It signifies His rulership and control over every aspect of the universe, from the vast cosmos to the minutest details of our existence. In essence, it means that God is the ultimate King and Lord over everything and overall.
In Psalm 103:19, the Psalmist declares, "The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all." In this scripture we can see a vivid picture of God's sovereignty and dominion over the entire cosmos. He owns the eternal and unshakable reign over the entire universe.
First, He Established His Throne in the Heavens: This phrase signifies the supreme authority and majesty of God. When we think of a throne, we think of a seat of power and rule. By stating that God has established His throne in the heavens, the Psalmist emphasizes the transcendent nature of God's sovereignty. His throne is not bound by earthly limitations; it is exalted above all creation.
Secondly, His Kingdom Rules Over All: The truth here is that God's reign knows no bounds. His kingdom extends over every corner of the universe … not one corner is out of His rulership. This means that there is no realm, no domain, and no entity beyond His control. From the farthest reaches of the cosmos to the deepest depths of the earth, God's rule is absolute and complete.
Let’s Explore Some Examples of God's Unshakable Reign:
• Creation and Nature: Think about the vastness of the universe … the galaxies, stars, and planets … all fall under God's sovereign rule. From the tiniest subatomic particle to the mightiest celestial bodies, everything operates according to His divine plan.
• Nations and Empires: Throughout history, we see the rise and fall of nations and empires. Yet, God's sovereignty remains unwavering. He orchestrates the course of human history, raising and deposing rulers and nations to fulfill His purposes.
For example, In the Old Testament, God used the Babylonian Empire to discipline His people, Israel, but then brought about its downfall when the time was right. According to the books of 2 Kings, Jeremiah, and Daniel among others, God used the Babylonian Empire as an instrument of His judgment and discipline against Israel for their disobedience. However, He also had a plan to bring about their restoration and the ultimate downfall of Babylon, when the time was right. This historical account illustrates God's sovereignty over the rise and fall of nations, and His ability to fulfill His purposes even through human actions.
• Individual Lives: On a personal level, God's sovereignty is evident in the lives of individuals. He knows the number of hairs on our heads (Luke 12:7) and is intimately involved in the intricate details of our lives. Even when we face challenges or uncertainties, we can trust that God's sovereign hand is guiding us toward His perfect plan. As Romans 8:28 says, “ And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” So even through our hardest trials, we can trust that God in His sovereignty is causing even the bad things to work together for our good. Although it is not always easy, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. (see Philippians 4:12-13)
God's eternal and unshakable reign reminds us that His sovereignty extends far beyond our comprehension and encompasses all of creation, from the heavens to the earth. Nothing is out of His control and rulership … ever!
In Isaiah 46:10 it says, “Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish.” God's sovereignty is highlighted through His ability to declare the future and ensure that His divine purposes come to pass.
Daniel 4:35 tells us that “All the people of the earth are nothing compared to him. That He does as he pleases among the angels of heaven and among the people of the earth. That No one can stop him or say to him, 'What do you mean by doing these things?'" God helps us and has mercy on us for our limited understanding of this deep truth about His kingship. He is sovereign and He has the authority and rulership which should not be questioned.
Job's Revelation of God's Sovereignty
In the Book of Job, we witness a powerful example of how Job got a revelation of God's sovereignty. Job, a righteous and blameless man, endured unimaginable suffering and loss. Amidst his trials, he questioned God's ways and sought answers to his suffering. We find ourselves doing this also sometimes. But, in response, God revealed His sovereignty to Job in a profound way.
Job 42:2 Job's confesses: “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you.”
Through his painful trial, Job came to realize that God's sovereignty extends beyond human comprehension. He learned to submit to the Almighty I AM, acknowledging that God's purposes could not be hindered by the trials he faced.
So, you see, as we explore God's sovereignty, we discover that Yahweh, the Almighty I AM, is the ultimate ruler over everything. His power isn't just a religious idea … it's a core truth that influences how we connect with Him. Just like Job did, we can find peace, trust, and humility when we recognize that God is in charge of everything. This means if He is in charge of everything, then we are not to try to control or manipulate our circumstances driven by fear. Instead, we trust God in submission and recognizing that He is still seating on His throne. In His sovereignty we find the plan of redemption to bring us back to Himself through Jesus Christ.
Although sometimes it’s hard to process why God allows certain trials and challenges in our lives, know that Yahweh, the Almighty I AM, has magnificent plans specially designed for us. These plans are overflowing with goodness and a bright hope, not with disaster or despair. When you pray in those tough days, God is listening … every word you say matters. And if you seek Him with all your heart, with everything you've got, you will find Him, for God, in all His sovereignty, is listening attentively. (see Jeremiah 29:11–14)
And as you wholeheartedly seek Him, you will discover His presence. He promises, “I will reveal Myself to you,” declares Yahweh. “I'll put an end to your troubles and bring back your happiness. I'll gather you from the places you've been scattered and bring you back home, to your own place of belonging.”
So, dear friend, have faith and courage. You need not fear the future because the Almighty I AM holds it in His sovereign hands. Rest assured, God's sovereignty means that He is fully in control, and His love for you knows no bounds.
Embracing a Deeper Journey … with the Almighty I AM
Yolandita Colón