For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. [Isa 55:8-9 ESV]
Monday we looked at the fact that truth must be in accordance to the base line of God and His Word and through that truth we can find freedom. Today I want to examine the question: “Does knowing God is in control really give us comfort?” God is sovereign, of this we have no doubt. God is omniscient (knowing everything), omnipresent (present everywhere and at the same time), and omnipotent (unlimited power). He is in control, but is there any comfort in knowing this?
When a mother has lost her child, a young child has lost their parent, a wife has been beaten by her husband, or a spouse watches as their loved one withers away from cancer, Alzheimer’s, or disease, does knowing God is in control comfort them? No. It’s not until you know the character and nature of God that this gives you comfort. If God is vengeful and hateful, there is no comfort in knowing He is in control.
I am comforted by knowing my God is good and faithful and He is in control. “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” [1Ch 16:34 NLT]
I am comforted by knowing He is just and fair. He can do no wrong, everything He does is perfect. "He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect. Everything he does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is!” [Deu 32:4 NLT] I may not understand what’s going on at the time, but if I know my God and His true nature, I can find comfort and freedom through the truth of His Word.
I am comforted in knowing He always fulfills His promises. His words are true.
The LORD's promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over. [Psa 12:6 NLT]
God's way is perfect. All the LORD's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. [Psa 18:30 NLT]
He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. [Psa 91:4 NLT]
Your promises have been thoroughly tested; that is why I love them so much. [Psa 119:140 NLT]
I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness; for your promises are backed by all the honor of your name. [Psa 138:2 NLT]
For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations. The LORD always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. [Psa 145:13 NLT]
I may not understand His thoughts. I may not understand why He allows bad things to happen, but as I walk through this life I learn more of His faithfulness daily. His character and His love shine through His Word. He gives me comfort in the hard times and joy in the morning.
Reflection Questions:
- What characteristics of God give you comfort?
- How has God shown you His faithfulness and love in hard times?
Has your trust in God grown more through the calm or the storms?
Reflection Song:
