In His Hands

How do we make sense of this time in our world? Perhaps you’re experiencing COVID-fatigue these days. You’re just so tired of the whole thing. Maybe you’re on edge with the recent riots in our cities. Or maybe you’re anxious about the upcoming election. Will your choice candidate(s) win or lose? And how will you feel if they lose?

We live in a very challenging time in our country. I don’t know one person who isn’t intimately affected by one or all these events. For me personally, I’ve found that I can’t go a day without running to my God, for help, perspective and hope. I also find comfort when I delve into understanding God’s sovereignty.

What comes to mind when you think about the sovereignty of God? Sovereignty means “supreme power or authority.” How do we make sense of this in terms of God Himself? To be simple, God is God. There is no one else like Him. He has supreme power over everything.

Sometimes, I see God like other humans. I place Him on human level because I’m human. That’s where I go wrong. He is God! It is through Scripture that my mind and heart are lifted to a greater understanding of His sovereignty. Here are a few verses to meditate on in the coming days:

“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” Colossians 1:16

“Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.” Psalm 115:3

“Daniel praised the God of heaven. He said, “Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power. He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings.” Daniel 2:19-21

"Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” Jeremiah 32:17

“And looking at them, Jesus said to them, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

God’s plans are greater than our plans. He sees the whole picture. We see what we see. While we are concerned with our own comfort and what we want, He is concerned with the souls of people. We can actually look to His sovereignty and find peace and hope, knowing how much He loves us.

With these world events we are experiencing, it can feel like you're out of control. You can feel very helpless. Remember, you can quickly turn to the One who has the whole world in his hands. He’s got COVID in his hands. He’s got the election in His hands. He’s got the riots and unrest in His hands. He is sovereign. God’s peace be with you.

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.