7 Comforting Scriptures To Remind Us That God Is In Control

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Published by Kimberly Wall

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Co-Founder, Disciple Group Leader, Author

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As Christians, we often hear “God is in control,” and it’s a phrase that brings comfort to many. We understand that nothing happens outside of God’s plan, yet difficulties and struggles can leave us asking: Why does God allow bad things to happen? The Bible provides us with some insight and wisdom into this topic.

Several Bible verses tell us that God is in absolute control over everything, from the smallest details to the big things like disease and natural disasters. The book of Job speaks about how God has all power and authority over every creature, including humans (Job 40:8–14). It also explains that our suffering results from sin, not directly from God’s hand (Romans 5:12).

Key Takeaways

  • God is in absolute control over everything, orchestrating both good and bad events according to His sovereign plan for our ultimate good and His glory.
  • While God allows us free will, He is the ultimate authority over our lives, guiding us according to His purpose and never leaving us alone in our struggles.
  • Surrendering to God’s control involves prayer, trust, and aligning our lives with His Word, leading to peace and fulfillment under His sovereign will.

What Does It Mean That God Is In Control?

The Bible makes it clear that God is in control of everything—all the kingdoms on Earth. From the very beginning, it states, “God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). Throughout the Scripture, this point is reiterated time and again. The Lord, in His sovereign power, orders all things according to His own perfect will and plan (Daniel 4:35; Ephesians 1:11).

The Bible also makes clear that God is all-powerful. He speaks, and it is done (Psalm 33:9). Nothing can thwart His plans or purposes (Isaiah 14:27). He is the Lord of history and works out all things according to the counsel of His own will (Ephesians 1:11). Any external power or influence does not constrain Him.

God’s control is not just limited to the physical aspects of life but also reaches into our spiritual lives as well. He has all knowledge and understanding, and nothing happens outside of His sovereign will (1 John 4:12; Colossians 1:17).

The Bible also speaks about how God feeds people’s hearts and minds. God says that it is the king’s heart that He directs as He pleases (Proverbs 21:1). This means that no matter how hard a person may try, ultimately it is God who controls our choices and actions.

God’s sovereignty[1] means that all good and bad events are part of His plan for our lives. We can take comfort in knowing that although we may not understand why certain things happen to us, God is in control and has a purpose for it all. We can trust Him to bring about ultimate good from whatever adversity we face (Romans 8:28).

What Do We Need To Know About God’s Control?

God’s control is a key element of our faith in Him. We can find many references to God’s control throughout the Bible, and it is important to understand what these passages are telling us. The first thing we need to know about God’s control is that He is ultimately in charge of all things. This means that He has the power to direct and control our lives.

In Isaiah 45:7, God makes it clear that He is in control of all things: “I form light and create darkness, I make well-being and create calamity; I am the LORD, who does all these things.” This verse further emphasizes that God is in control, and it is up to Him to make all decisions regarding our lives.

Another important thing we need to know about God’s control is that He will never leave us nor forsake us. In Deuteronomy 31:6, the Lord tells Moses: “Be strong and courageous, do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” God’s promise to stay with us and never leave us is an assurance of His control in our lives.

We must also remember that while God is in control, He gives us free will. This means that we can choose to make our own decisions, but ultimately God is in control of the outcome. Thus, we should remain attentive and trust Him as He guides us through life.

In Proverbs 19:21, it says, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” This verse reminds us that while our plans may fail, God is still in control and His purpose will prevail.

Romans 8:38–39 also says, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This means that no matter what we face in life, our Lord God is still in control and His love will always remain with us.

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7 Scriptures To Remind Us That God Is In Control

The Bible teaches us that God is in control of all things. He is the sovereign Lord and Creator of all, and nothing happens without His knowledge and permission. We can take comfort in knowing that even when life seems out of control, He is still firmly in charge. The Bible reminds us of this over and over again.

  1. “I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'” (Isaiah 46:9–10)
  2. “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” (Job 42:2)
  3. “Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.” (Psalm 115:3)
  4. “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)
  5. “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)
  6. “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” (Proverbs 19:21)
  7. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

How To Give God Control?

Giving God control involves surrendering one’s life completely to Him and trusting Him with every aspect of our lives. It requires acknowledging that God is the sovereign ruler of our lives and that we cannot achieve true fulfillment and purpose without His guidance.

To give God control, we must first acknowledge our need for Him. This involves recognizing our limitations and our inability to control every aspect of our lives. We must also be willing to entrust our plans and desires to God, knowing that He has a better plan for our lives.

One practical way to give God control is through prayer. We should make a habit of regularly seeking God’s guidance and surrendering our will to Him. This means being open to His instructions and being willing to follow wherever He may lead us.

Another important aspect of giving God control is studying and applying His Word. The Bible tells us how to live a pleasing life for God, and by following its teachings, we can be assured that our lives are aligned with His will.

A Prayer For Divine Control

Heavenly Father,

I pray to you today, acknowledging that you alone are the source of all power and authority.

You have control over all things in heaven and on earth, and I trust in your sovereignty over my life.

I ask for your divine control over my thoughts, my actions, and my entire being.

Lord, I confess that there have been times when I have tried to take control of my own life, thinking that I knew what was best for me.

But I now realize that true happiness and the peace you embody can only come when I surrender everything to you.

Please forgive me for my pride and self-centeredness, and help me to fully trust in your plans for me.

I pray that you would take complete control of my mind, that I may think and dwell on things that are pleasing to you.

Help me cast aside all worries, doubts, and fears and fully trust in your goodness and love.

Amen.
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Summary

The Bible makes it clear that God is in control of all things. He knows what the future holds and works out His plans according to His perfect timing. We can trust that, no matter how chaotic our lives may seem, God is at work behind the scenes orchestrating every event for our benefit and His glory.

We can take comfort in knowing that no matter what life throws at us, we have a loving Father and Savior who is always there for us. Jesus Christ promised to never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), and He will be with us every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does It Mean To Give God Control Of Your Life?

To give God control of your life means to surrender your will to His, trust in His plan for you, and follow His guidance and commandments, recognizing His sovereignty over every aspect of your life.

How Can We Trust God When We Don’t Understand What He Is Doing?

We can trust God when we don’t understand what He is doing by having faith in His character, remembering His promises in Scripture, and believing that He is working all things for our good and His glory, even when His ways are beyond our understanding.

What Role Does Free Will Play In God’s Sovereignty?

Free will plays a significant role in God’s sovereignty, as He allows individuals to make their own choices, yet He is ultimately in control of the outcomes and integrates our decisions into His divine plan without violating our freedom.

Does God Control The Decisions Of Leaders And Nations?

Yes, God controls the decisions of leaders and nations, as the Bible states He directs the hearts of kings and establishes authorities according to His sovereign purposes, working through them to accomplish His will on earth.

Why Is It Important To Acknowledge God’s Control In Our Lives?

It is important to acknowledge God’s control in our lives to live in submission to His will, experience peace amidst chaos, and trust in His good and perfect plan for us, recognizing that He is working everything for our benefit.

Does The Bible Say That God Is In Control?

Yes, the Bible says that God is in control, as evidenced by numerous scriptures that affirm His sovereignty over all creation, including human history, natural events, and individual lives, underscoring His power to direct things according to His will and purposes.

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