With #Thanksgiving just around the corner, I have been pondering these words: gratefulness, thankfulness, goodness and blessings. Living in America, we have so much to be thankful for. We have such incredible material blessings. However, we often spend more time perusing turkey recipes, than sitting down to think about things that really matter. We will spend more time baking pumpkin pie and watching football than contemplating thankfulness.
What are you thankful for?
Family. Friends. Community. These items typically top the list. But one thing that often gets overlooked is the sovereignty of God. The nation of Israel was God’s chosen people, His chosen nation. The entire first five books of the Bible are filled with reasons why Israel should not have been chosen – they were repeatedly irreverent, they chose idols over God, they wandered and deliberately disobeyed. Despite this, God chose them! The Israelites had reason to praise–they were chosen! And just like the Israelites, as a believer, God has chosen you.
I Peter 2:9, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
We must remember God’s promises apply to us as well. We have a reason to shout out praise to God from the rooftops. Despite our sinfulness, we are God’s treasured possessions.
Psalm 136:5-7, “For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps. He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth, who makes lightnings for the rain and brings forth the wind from his storehouses.”
Webster defines sovereignty as “supreme power and the right to exercise it.” I am reminded of the words of Job 38:4, “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the world?” When I feel the pitter-patter of anxiety crouching at my door, I must remind myself of God’s complete control.
God is sovereign over the physical realm.
Not only did He create the sun, moon and stars–He also continues to hold the universe in orbit. He hasn’t stepped out of the picture. God is still actively involved. He sends the rain. He provides rays of sunshine. He makes our plants grow.
Psalm 135:7 “He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth, who makes lightnings for the rain and brings forth the wind from his storehouses.”
God is sovereign over life and death.
You’ve probably heard the saying, “You control your own destiny.” But in reality, it is God who holds life and death in His hands. Our days are already numbered in His book (Job 14:5-7). He knows exactly where we will live and reside (Acts 17:11) He gives life…and He takes it away (1 Samuel 2:6).
Psalm 135:8 “He it was who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and of beast;”
God is sovereign to perform sign & wonders
God is able. He is able to part the Red Sea and turn it into dry land. He is able to send manna for provision. He is able to open the womb of an infertile woman. He is able to ward off the enemy with a single stone. He is able to keep the mouths of lions hemmed shut. He is able to turn water into wine. He has never stopped being able!
Psalm 135:9 “who in your midst, O Egypt, sent signs and wonders against Pharaoh and all his servants;”
Whatever is on your heart and mind today, remind yourself: God is able. He was able yesterday. He is able today. And He will be able tomorrow, too.
Thank you for these thoughts today Sue!