As we stand on the threshold of a new year and a new decade we might wonder what the next year or ten years might bring. One thing we can be certain of is that whatever takes place, good or bad, God is sovereignly ordering all things and all events.

Often we can think of God’s sovereignty in connection with good things, but God controls the good and the bad.

In 1 Chronicles 29:12 we read: “Both riches and honour come from you and you rule over all.”

God controls all things for his own glory, and the ultimate good of his people.  These two objectives are always in harmony.  The fact that we don’t understand what is happening doesn’t change the truth that these two objectives are always in his purpose.

Author Jerry Bridges writes: “God is completely sovereign (all powerful), infinite in wisdom, perfect in love and therefore, worthy of our trust.”

God is sovereign (all-powerful) over all.  He rules all things.  If there was a single event that could occur outside of God’s sovereign control we wouldn’t be able to trust him.  But, He IS sovereign and we can therefore put our trust and confidence in a powerful, wise and loving God.

I hope the following hymn, written by John Ryland (1753-1825), would be an encouragement to you as it has been to me.

Sov’reign Ruler of the skies
Ever gracious, ever wise
All my times are in thy hand
All events at thy command

His decree who form’d the earth
Fix’d my first and second birth
Parents, native place, and time
All appointed by him

He that form’d me in the womb
He shall guide me to the tomb
All my times shall ever be
Order’d by his wise decree

Times of sickness times of health
Times of poverty and wealth
Times of trial and of grief
Times of triumph and relief

Times the tempter’s power to prove
Times to taste the Saviour’s love
All must come, and last, and end
As shall please my heavenly friend

Plagues and deaths around me fly
Till he bids I cannot die
Not a single shaft can hit
Till the God of love sees fit