Day 4 – Do Not Fear: God is Sovereign
Psalm 46:8-9
Come and see what the Lord has done,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease
to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
Control is something that inspires fear in many of us. We become afraid when we don’t feel like we have enough control over a situation that seems to be falling apart. We are afraid when we see that someone we may not trust has large amounts of control and is making decisions for many people, including us. For some of us, the inverse is true. The idea of having too much control in a situation can cause us to be extremely fearful. The realization of how much we might mess things up or even simply the weight of our own responsibility has caused many people to shrink back in fear.
The words of Psalm 46:8-9 unexpectedly speak directly to our struggles and fears regarding control, although it might speak in a way we don’t expect. These two verses paint a picture of the immense power and might of God. They speak of the desolation that has been brought to the earth, yet, balancing that with the ceasing of wars across the entire earth and the breaking of weapons. In times of war, it is not the 5-star generals that have control. In times of peace, it is not the charismatic diplomats who have control. In one extreme or the other, and everything in between, God has complete control over all that happens on this earth.
We fear having control because we are aware of our ability to fail. We fear others having control because we see the imperfections of all humans. This contrast makes even more relieving the fact that we have a God who is completely in control and sovereign over all situations. We have a God who is without any fault or error. His many perfections are eternal, His righteousness is unquestionable, and His holiness is unfathomable. Knowing that God is sovereign over everything that goes on is an immense relief. We know that because He is sovereign, we can trust that all things are working according to His will and plan.
So, we have no reason to fear, because God is sovereign and He remains unfailing and faithful through all time and eternity. We trust a God who holds the whole world, and all that is within it, in His loving, tender, and mighty hands.
Action Step: Read 1 Chronicles 29:11-13. How does David’s prayer model how we should worship and trust God in light of His sovereignty and control? After you’ve answered this question, go back and read this prayer again out loud. As you read, make the words of these verses your own act of worship and prayer to God.
