Ruler Over All
Posted by Karah
Pause
God’s sovereignty is a difficult subject to wrap your mind around, but it’s crucial to understanding who God is. Stop right now and ask Him to give you an open mind and heart to hear and experience what His sovereignty truly looks like.
“Not to us, Yahweh, not to us, but to Your name give glory because of Your faithful love, because of Your truth. Why should the nations say, ‘Where is their God?’ Our God is in heaven and does whatever He pleases.”
—Psalm 115:1-3
Read Psalm 115:1-2 carefully, paying attention to what it teaches you about God and His character. Then, consider these questions:
• How does this passage point to God’s sovereignty?
• “Whatever He pleases” doesn’t mean that God is always changing His mind or giving in to whims; it means He does what He has planned. How would truly recognizing this aspect of God’s character change your point of view on things that happen in the world? In your life?
• Why is it vital that God’s children understand that He is absolutely sovereign?
Sovereign-adj.= Possessing supreme or ultimate power; God’s absolute rule and reign
Respond
• Take a minute to really think about the concept of God’s sovereignty. He is over all. Nothing happens that He has not ordained for His glory and purposes. In a world that seems out of control, God is in control. What an amazing God! Praise Him for that today.
• For further study of God’s sovereignty, read Psalm 135:6, Daniel 4:35, and Romans 9:19-21.
Behind the Story
Written at a time when Israel had suffered devastating defeats and when God seemed nowhere to be found, this psalm records the taunts of Israel’s pagan enemies. They misjudged Israel’s defeat in battle as the result of God’s weakness or non-existence, even asking, “Where is your God now?” But instead of complaining, Israel announced their confidence in Him, declaring God sovereign over all, including the powerless idols these nations worshiped. Idols can do nothing, but our God is on His throne and knows His plan and purpose.
The Point
God is the ultimate Ruler with supreme power over all. He does what He pleases, always acting for His glory and your good—wanting to bring you back into a right relationship with Him.
Posted in Boys, Devotions | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest Alumni and Friends, Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission., Weekly Devotions