"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD BEING IN CONTROL"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD BEING IN CONTROL"

Proverbs 21:1The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.

Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions, and a prayer:

The Book of Proverbs is God's book of wisdom for us. God tells us about how to live wisely as we go about our walk with Him day by day. There are warnings, there are encouragements, and there are comforts that lead to rest and peace. Such is this verse we are looking at today. What a comfort to know that God is in control of all things.

1. God has a hand if you will and everything is in it.
Proverbs 21:1The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.

When the Bible speaks of the "hand of the LORD" it is using language to help us understand something that is true about God.
The hand is normally what is used to control or effect something.
We use our hands from the moment we get up to proceed through our day.
We do things with our hands that make other things happen.

Well, God has hands also And He uses His hands to accomplish His will. He is in control of all things. He moves throughout the world second by second bringing to pass that which He wants to do.

Ephesians 1:11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,

2. God has the Kings heart in His hand.
Proverbs 21:1The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.

Kings or those who are in authority, are also in the hand of the king. Or to put it another way, He is controlling those who are in control here on an earthly level.

We are to be subjection to those that God has placed over us, but there is someone who is over them. It's our God.
Our God is not in subjection to anyone.

Who is like our God, there is none like Him.
God is above all, and all is under His control.
Even the kings of the earth are in His hand and control.

3. God does what He wants to to through the kings heart that is in His hand.
Proverbs 21:1The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.

Here's how this verse reads in the NLT
Proverbs 21:1 The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the LORD; he turns it wherever he pleases.

This is tremendous imagery. It gives us a visual picture in our minds eye of God's control of all things.
God actually brings about His will through those who are in authority.
God is in control.

And, for the Christian we also have this wonderfully comforting and encouraging verse.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Not only is He in control, but He is working all things together for our good.

Some questions:

1. Are you facing a situation where someone is going to make a decision that will effect you?

2. Is that person or persons in a position of authority over you?

3. Are you wondering, hoping, praying for a certain outcome?

4. May I encourage you to keep praying to the Lord.

5. Will you take comfort today that those persons in authority over you are actually under authority and may not even know.

6. God has a plan, and His plan is going to come through those that He has placed in authority. Be comforted.

A prayer:

Father, how comforting it is to know that we are not just under the control of men. But all men are under Your control.
And, You are working out Your plan in our lives. There is never a moment where we are not in Your sight and under Your caring watchful eye. There is no one who can override what You want to do. May we find great peace and comfort in this Lord.
In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia