God's Sovereignty: Finding Peace in His Unshakeable Control

Recently, I received news that my autoimmune disease has worsened. Bloodwork revealed a significant shift in my health, indicating potential kidney damage. This news was overwhelming, and I was immediately consumed by anger, disappointment, and shame. I felt angry because I believed I was doing everything 'right' to improve my health – eating well, losing weight, exercising, and spending time with God. I was disappointed that my efforts seemed insufficient. I was ashamed, feeling as though I had somehow caused this. A deep sadness settled over me, and I remember breaking down in the doctor's office. It's important to acknowledge that these feelings are natural; there's no shame in experiencing them. What truly makes a difference is how we handle them.

Prior to the appointment, I had prayed for healing and for the ability to receive the doctor's news with an open heart and mind, free from catastrophic thinking. As those overwhelming feelings threatened to consume me, Philippians 4:8 came to mind: 'Fix your mind on thoughts that are true, pure, excellent, honorable, and worthy to be praised.' I felt an immediate shift in my spirit. I began to reflect on how intentionally and diligently I had been feeding my spirit with God's word, equipping myself with God's armor. I declared, 'By His stripes I am healed. He is in control.'

As those dark feelings began to dissipate, I sensed the Lord say, 'Be still.' It wasn't an audible voice but an internal knowing. The phrase 'Be still' kept appearing – framed on my mother's wall, in social media posts, and in a song fragment repeating in my mind: '...He said. "Be still!"'

Psalm 46:10 became my anchor: 'Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.'

This scripture has given me a feeling of peace. God was reminding me to be still and acknowledge His sovereignty. Even when we don't understand His ways or the path we're on, we can find peace in knowing He is in control. My recent medical leave from my job was incredibly difficult. I felt lost and weak for needing that time. Now, I understand that time was necessary for me to heal and to be free from additional stress while fighting this battle. I recognize that God kept urging me to start writing and launch my blog, preparing me for what was to come. I am so grateful that I was obedient and allowed Him to light my path.

Understanding God's Sovereignty

God is in control. He reigns sovereign over everything, possessing ultimate authority. This doesn't negate our free will, nor does it mean He causes our suffering. Instead, it means we should trust Him, placing our faith in His plan (Jeremiah 29:11). We may not understand it; we may think we want one thing, but in actuality, God has something greater in store for us. We have to trust that God works all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).

Isaiah 45:5-7 tells us that there is no other God and that He has equipped us for battle. He equips us with His Word. I find strength in knowing that God has equipped me with everything I need. The lesson I learned from reading about Moses in Exodus is to not give up. God is in control. We must keep praying to Him and standing on His Word. He is bigger than our problems. In Exodus, we see Moses go to Pharaoh to request the release of God's people. Moses is obedient, repeatedly approaching Pharaoh despite his resistance. Moses even warns Pharaoh of the consequences of disobeying God. Pharaoh remains unmoved. Then God begins to work through Moses to demonstrate His power and authority. Pharaoh, finally frightened, initially agrees to let the people go but then reneges on his word. This continues back and forth, like a tug-of-war.

I want you to pay attention to this. This is similar to when we bring a need to God. We pray, and we feel like we're experiencing a breakthrough, and then we face a setback. Just as Moses kept returning to Pharaoh to proclaim who his God was, we must keep proclaiming who our God is to our problems. In Exodus 14:4, God says that He was using Pharaoh to display His glory. This means that when God blesses you, He does it in a way that only He can receive the glory. He does this to show how powerful He is. Exodus 14:14 says, 'The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent' (ESV).

Being silent means not giving life to your problems. Instead of telling everyone about your struggles, speak the blessing you wish to receive. When people ask how you are feeling, your response should be, 'I am getting better and better every day in every way.' This doesn't mean denying your reality or being dishonest with healthcare professionals. It means that if someone isn't going to stand with you in prayer, don't speak death into your situation. Share your struggles with those who will stand with you in faith and prayer, those who truly believe and understand God's sovereignty. These are the people who will uplift you when you are down, who will pray and thank God for your healing and blessing.

Being silent also means you don't have to share everything with everyone, because God didn't give them the message or vision; He shared it with you. So, if I am believing for healing, I won't share that with someone who will only remind me of negative outcomes others have experienced. I won't share it with those who, instead of speaking life, speak death by voicing the worst-case scenarios – those things they believe will happen.

Anxiety and the Illusion of Control

When you struggle with anxiety, you often feel the need to control every situation. This primarily stems from fear of the unknown. My anxiety leads me to think of every possible scenario and my response to each, causing indecisiveness and an inability to commit because of the 'what ifs.' This directly conflicts with having faith in God's control. By trying to control every situation, I'm essentially saying that I know what's best and that only I can determine the outcome. But that isn't true. God is in control. We can't claim to trust God to deliver us and then try to orchestrate the outcome we desire. Unfortunately, the outcome we want isn't always the outcome that is best for us.

I remember applying for a new position. I interviewed and felt confident, but I didn't receive a callback. About a month later, I began experiencing health issues that required several surgeries and months of recovery. It was around this time that I received my initial autoimmune diagnosis. Once my health stabilized, about a year after the interview, I received a call asking if I was still interested in the position. Initially, I was disappointed about not getting the job. Now, I see that God knew what I was going to face and that I needed to be where I was at that time.

Finding Peace in God's Control

This has happened repeatedly in my life. I think things are going to go one way, I try to control the situation, and God has other plans. Even now, I don't understand everything I'm going through. Some days are incredibly hard. But I have faith that God is in control. He is the same God He was yesterday. He will not leave me or forsake me. I trust that all things will work out for my good.

What has helped me during these times is meditating on Psalm 46:10. When I feel anxious, I remember to be still and acknowledge who my God is. I've learned that being still and waiting on Him always works out. He has never broken a promise to me. I remind myself of His many blessings. When I can't see a way out, I reflect on all the times He has brought me through before. It's important to fill your spirit with the Word of God, focusing your thoughts on Him through worship, podcasts, Scripture, and prayer.

Prayer for Giving God Control

Father, I thank you for being who you are. There was no God before you, and there will be no other God after you. You are the Creator, all-knowing and all-powerful. Your power is made greater in my weakness. Thank you for your abundant blessings and for keeping your promises. I ask that you help me to be still. Help me to see your work while I wait. Help me to be patient, and when I struggle to control situations and circumstances, help me to find peace and surrender control to you. In Jesus's name, Amen.

Let’s Connect

Psalm 46:10 reminds us to be still and to know that God is in control. Take time to meditate on this scripture, and consider memorizing it so you can easily access it.

Connecting with others and sharing our experiences can provide valuable support and encouragement. What has worked to help you "be still"? Please share your insights and strategies in the comments section below the playlist and let’s support one another.

Surrender to Sovereignty: Songs of Peace

This playlist offers songs that encourage releasing control and finding peace in God's sovereign plan. Let the music guide you to a place of trust and rest.