“God has a purpose in all that he does in the world and that he providentially governs or directs all things in order that they accomplish his purposes.” (Grudem, “Providence,” under definition of government, Bible Doctrine, p. 151). 

"Sovereignty is God's control over His creation, dealing with His governance over it: Sovereignty is God's rule over all reality." (Normal Geisler)

"If there is any element of the universe that is outside of his authority, then he no longer is God over all. In other words, sovereignty belongs to deity. Sovereignty is a natural attribute of the Creator. God owns what he makes, and he rules what he owns." (R.C. Sproul)

1. God has a purpose.

2. God directs all things towards His purposes.

3. God is in control over all of creation.

1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. 6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire.

10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

“I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” - Job 42:2

“Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.” - Psalm 115:3

“All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?” - Daniel 4:35

1. When has your life been “out of control?” How did you persevere through this experience?

2. How would you explain or define God’s sovereignty?

3. How does this psalm describe a world (seemingly spinning) out of control?

4. What does Psalm 46 teach us about God?

5. How does a biblical understanding of God’s sovereignty (see definitions above) help us to persevere when life seems to be “out of control?”

6. How can Romans 8:28 and God’s sovereignty speak to our global or personal chaos?

7. How do the other Scriptures (see above) provide a framework for faith, hope, and trust?

8. I’m __________ because God has a purpose and is in control of all circumstances.