The Sovereignty of God

We are currently living in an unprecedented time of conflict and chaos in our country. Though we read that throughout the Bible the political world and the world of Christ have frequently clashed, it does seem that currently, the division that exists is at an unprecedented high.  Not everyone shares the same view or values, therefore, unless there is the realization of some basic common core that brings people into some level of unity there will be conflict and division of one degree or another among individuals, faith traditions, and nations.  Though Jesus, the Son of God, calls us to follow his values, in Jesus’s time and throughout the ages, including today, not everyone agrees with nor follows His values.  The expression of the division that exists between those who share differing views or values can take different forms.  It can be as mild as confrontational discussions and debates, or as extreme as violent conflict and destruction.  As we know, it was the political leaders in conjunction with some religious leaders of the day that held a differing view of what was right and what was not, who ultimately crucified Jesus.

We have a noble dream of unity, where despite having differing values and views, all would respect one another and find a way to co-operate, collaborate and compromise in order to live in peaceful unity.  We work for unity, and we long for it, but at the end of the day divisions seem to always exist.  It is how we live together despite our diverse views that makes a difference.  Unity comes not from elections or arguing and fighting.  We cannot legislate unity.  Unity comes when in spite of their differences, people put God first above all else, recognizing the Sovereignty of God.  Belief in our Supreme Creator is our basic common core.  The Psalmist of Psalm 46 proclaims the Power of God and invites us to be still, to pause and pray and know that God is our Sovereign Lord and then to re-new our place in the presence of God.  When we pause and re-new our place in the presence of God, we will recognize that the one solid truth is that God is Lord of all of creation and we will be able to find peace and unity even in the midst of chaos.

In the midst of the chaos and conflict in the world today, we invite you to pause and to listen and absorb the words of faith lifted up from Psalm 46, for God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble.  It is through Him that unity will be realized.

Psalm 46;

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth shall change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.  God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns.

The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.  The Lord of host is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge.

Come, behold the works of the Lord; see what desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes ways cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.

“Be still and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations. I am exalted in the earth. The God of Jacob in with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge.”

~Created by Rev Kathryn Bindig, MDiv. MS; Pastoral Care Minister

To view this & more like it please visit: https://glorycenterwny.org/readings/essays/