In seminary I remember studying many thought patterns about God. There were many days when my mind completely blocked out those discussions because either a) it was over my head and b) I didn't want to push myself to think too hard. Ya'll I'm being quite honest. I have noticed that there are just some things in life that I pushed far out of my mind because I don't want to think. And yet, I think A LOT! Back to the point. I remember quite fondly the discussions about deism. Why you ask? It involved a picture that I could keep in my memory bank and think of regularly. I have a vivid imagination and pictures work better.
Deism is the belief that God is Creator and that He exists, but it also supports the notion that God has created the world as a clock maker would. He wound the clock (the world) and just let it go as it may. See that picture? I was thinking today about how I and hopefully some of you (just so I'm not in the boat alone) function as deists, meaning we walk as a deist, yet we profess belief in the sovereign God of the Bible. Believe me, this was not a happy realization. However, it was a deep conviction that prompted writing.
I realized there are a lot of times and situations where I just feel like I am left to myself and that God is far off. I have felt like I've prayed for hours to determine God's will. I get frustrated. I cry. And cry again. I doubt God. The cycle plays on repeat. Yet, what I have failed to realize in these moments is that the sovereign God I profess to believe in is just that - sovereign. That got me to looking up words because I'm a word nerd. The sovereignty of God means that all things are under God's rule. I found this quote and truly appreciated it:
"What do we mean by [the sovereignty of God]? We mean the supremacy of God, the kingship of God, the god-hood of God. To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that God is God. To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is the Most High, doing according to His will in the army of Heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth, so that none can stay His hand or say unto Him what doest Thou? (Dan. 4:35). To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is the Almighty, the Possessor of all power in Heaven and earth, so that none can defeat His counsels, thwart His purpose, or resist His will (Psa. 115:3). To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is "The Governor among the nations" (Psa. 22:28), setting up kingdoms, overthrowing empires, and determining the course of dynasties as pleaseth Him best. To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is the "Only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords" (1 Tim. 6:15). Such is the God of the Bible."A. W. Pink, The Sovereignty of God, chapter 1.
What is the point of this entire post? It is this. I no longer want to function like a deist because that is not what I am. I am not someone who truly believes that God has left us to be. I am someone who believes that God has created me and that God is ruler of my life. It's easy to forget that sometimes, isn't it? It's easy to forget that when we are praying for His will that His will is already playing out. It's easy to forget that powerful verse in Romans chapter 8 that says God works all things to our good, when we most definitely want to hang on to the ugly of our past. It is certainly easy to forget sometimes that God does want good for us in a world that seems so, well, not good. May we/I know and believe and walk in the Truth of our sovereign God.
I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please. From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that I will bring about, what I have planned, that I will do. Isaiah 46: 10-1
PS- I totally realize these are heavy thoughts for a Friday. Happy Weekend! Claps all around!
What is the point of this entire post? It is this. I no longer want to function like a deist because that is not what I am. I am not someone who truly believes that God has left us to be. I am someone who believes that God has created me and that God is ruler of my life. It's easy to forget that sometimes, isn't it? It's easy to forget that when we are praying for His will that His will is already playing out. It's easy to forget that powerful verse in Romans chapter 8 that says God works all things to our good, when we most definitely want to hang on to the ugly of our past. It is certainly easy to forget sometimes that God does want good for us in a world that seems so, well, not good. May we/I know and believe and walk in the Truth of our sovereign God.
I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please. From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that I will bring about, what I have planned, that I will do. Isaiah 46: 10-1
PS- I totally realize these are heavy thoughts for a Friday. Happy Weekend! Claps all around!
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