by Shannon Caughey

Why trust God? Why put your confidence in God not only in some parts of your life but in every area? Why trust God in your approach to coaching? That’s what we’re wrestling with in this series of devotions. In response, we’re looking at attributes of the Lord that give us abundant reasons for trusting him—and for continuing to deepen our trust in him. So far we’ve considered his love and power. Let’s now focus on God’s sovereignty.

Scripture often speaks of God’s sovereignty, which means he alone has the authority and power to rule over his creation. God’s sovereignty is God’s exercise of his reign over all. We speak of a human king or queen as a “sovereign.” In the Bible, the Lord is repeatedly referred to as the ultimate King. 1 Timothy 6:15 declares of God, “He is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords.” Psalm 47 is another example. The psalmist says in v. 2, “For the Lord, the Most High, is awe-inspiring, a great King over the whole earth.” He continues in vv. 6-8:

⁶ Sing praise to God, sing praise;

sing praise to our King, sing praise!

⁷ Sing a song of wisdom,

for God is King of the whole earth.

⁸ God reigns over the nations;

God is seated on his holy throne.

God is the great King who reigns over all the earth. Psalm 47 encourages us to praise God for his sovereignty. Why? Because God’s rule brings goodness, joy, beauty, justice, and wholeness to his creation—including us as we surrender in faith to his rule. That’s why Jesus in Matthew 6:10 teaches us to pray, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” God’s reign brings about what is very best for his dearly loved creation.

Knowing the Lord is sovereign means we can trust that he is in control. Our world, our life, and the setting in which we coach can feel chaotic. Yet even when we don’t understand what’s happening or can’t see where things are going, we can be confident in God’s sovereignty. He reigns over all, including the events and circumstances of our life. We can trust him because he is in control.

Recognizing God’s sovereignty leads to a desire to submit to his rule over all areas of our life: coaching, relationships, family, work, leisure activities, etc. We express trust by praying, “God, you are my King. Reign over all of who I am and all that I do. I want my every thought, word, action, and interaction to be led by you and bring honor to you.”

We’re also motivated to see others experience the joy and blessing of trusting our Sovereign God. Jesus, the Son of God, came not only to save us from our sin but also to be our Lord and King. We long for fellow coaches, athletes, and others in our sphere of influence to surrender in faith to King Jesus. We’re eager to be channels through which the gospel goes forth and the Lord’s reign is made known. And we’re confident that in his sovereignty, God can and will work through us to accomplish what he alone can do.

Why trust God? Because he is loving, he is all-powerful, and he is sovereign. Put your confidence in him because “the Lord, the Most High, is awe-inspiring, a great King over the whole earth.”

For reflection: Take some time to praise God for sovereignty. He is the Great King over all. Renew your trust in him and his sovereignty.