Christian, are you presently resting in the sovereignty of God? With all of the chaos that is ensuing as the result of the Coronavirus, it is crucial that we allow the truths of God’s sovereignty to sink deep into our hearts. Take a moment to read the words of our confession concerning the providence of God:
“God the great Creator of all things doth uphold, direct, dispose, and govern all creatures, actions, and things, from the greatest even to the least, by his most wise and holy providence, according to his infallible foreknowledge and the free and immutable counsel of his own will, to the praise of the glory of his wisdom, power, justice, goodness, and mercy.” (WCF 5.1)
God has orchestrated and will continue to orchestrate all of human history for his own purposes. All the wars, plagues, and even pandemics are disposed by God in accordance with his perfect and secret plan. This same God who decrees everything that comes to pass is entirely merciful and good. The question that must be answered is not whether we simply give some intellectual assent to this reality, rather has this truth taken root in our hearts? There is nothing more comforting to God’s people than his sovereign control over all time and matter for his own glory and their good!
Despite a life riddled with severe depression along with mental & physical pain, Charles Spurgeon took refuge in the sovereignty of God. Spurgeon wrote,
“There is no attribute more comforting to His children than that of God’s sovereignty. Under the most adverse circumstances, in the most severe trials, they believe that sovereignty has ordained their afflictions, that sovereignty overrules them, and that sovereignty will sanctify them all. There is nothing for which the children ought to more earnestly contend to than the doctrine of their Master over all creation—the Kingship of God over all the works of His own hands—the Throne of God and His right to sit upon that throne...for it is God upon the Throne whom we trust.”
We don’t need to feel as if we are totally in control. At its core, the need for control is evidence of a lack of faith in the goodness and sovereignty of the Lord. Brothers and sisters, if you are being overcome with fear or anxiety, set your minds on the sovereignty of God!