Sovereign LORD

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"The Sovereign LORD is my strength…"  (Hab. 3:19, NIV) 

   The term "sovereign" is a wonderful word. It is not found in KJV or New KJV versions, and only once in the NASB (my go-to translation), yet is used  over 300 times in the NIV translation. Although the word itself may be absent in some translations, the idea and theology is present. Sovereign means, very simply, the supreme rulership of God over creation. Another way of saying it is that God has the final word in all things. Our children enjoy making plans for themselves. Sometimes the plans are on a grand, and rather expensive scale. However, by virtue of being children, they are not in control. It is only until mom or dad give the okay that the plans can commence. It is precisely the same principle for us. Nothing in this life is final until the Sovereign LORD says it is. Your financial crisis, marital or family problems, health obstacles, or any other issue in life, good or bad, is still in the hands of God. Does this mean that God completely controls every aspect of our lives? No. However, it does mean that God gets the last word. If things align with His will, great; if they do not, then He has the right and authority to intervene as He chooses. 
   The idea of God's sovereignty should bring great comfort to His children. Knowing that our Heavenly Father is watching over our lives allows us to boldly plunge into the unknown of life, with the understanding that He is with us. Whatever challenge awaits us, the Sovereign LORD is there. Habakkuk notes that it is God who is the source of his strength.  Our own strength takes us only so far, but with God's strength all things are possible.

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