Is God Still In Control?
by Audrey Pedersen
All it takes is one look at the news headlines to feel like the world is spinning out of control. Many things we may have looked forward to, like vacations, holiday celebrations, and graduations, are suddenly gone. Happiness has been replaced with fear for our health and that of our loved ones. In this difficult time, our hearts may wonder, ”Is God still in control?” and if he is, why is he letting this pandemic happen?
IS GOD REALLY IN CONTROL?
We can only know God to the degree that he reveals himself to us. So, when we have a question about God, we need to turn to the Bible, which is His direct revelation to humankind.
Look up, Amos 4:7, Proverbs 16:9, Lamentations 3:37-38 & 32-33, and Hebrews 1:3 *
Scripture clearly tells us that God has supreme power over creation, people, and every aspect of our lives. In God’s sovereignty, nothing is left to chance, nothing is accidental. Therefore, we know that God is completely in control over the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the reality of God’s sovereignty may lead us to wonder, “If God controls even the bad things, then is he really good?” **
IS GOD REALLY GOOD?
Look up Lamentations 3:22-23, Romans 8:28, 38-39, and Psalm 103:8.
The Bible tells us that God is completely good and loving. Although at times we are tempted to think he owes us a comfortable life, all we really deserve from God is punishment (Rom 3:23 & 6:23). Life itself is a pure gift of grace. When fear and anxiety come, we must hold fast to the truth that God is working for our good and we can trust him (Rom 8:28, Matt 6:26). As it says in 1 Peter, we can “Cast [our] cares on him for he cares for [us]”.
HOLDING FAST
Trust is easier said than done, so here are three strategies that can help us hold fast to what is true:
#1 Meditate: Pick a verse or two that reminds you of God’s love and sovereignty. Write it on a sticky note and put on your mirror, TV, or wherever you’ll see it.
#2 Talk: have conversations with your family or a zoom call with your friends and discuss verses about God’s character.
#3 Pray: As it says in Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God”.
*If you don’t have a Bible, you can look up these verses HERE.
**If the sovereignty of God is a topic you wish to delve into more deeply, check out Trusting God by Jerry Bridges.