Finding Comfort in God's Sovereignty and Love

The concept of finding comfort in God's sovereignty and love is rooted in biblical teachings that emphasize God's absolute control over all things and his unwavering love for his people. According to Easton's Bible Dictionary, God's sovereignty refers to "his absolute right to do all things according to his own good pleasure" ^[2]. This understanding is supported by various scriptures, including Daniel 4:25, 35, Romans 9:15-23, and Revelation 4:11.

The Bible teaches that God's love is a fundamental aspect of his character. Torrey's Topical Textbook describes God's love as "sovereign," "great," "abiding," "unfailing," and "everlasting" ^[3]. This love is not based on human merit but is a demonstration of God's gracious nature (Deuteronomy 7:7; Job 7:17). The apostle Paul expresses this sentiment in Romans 5:8, stating that "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us".

The comfort derived from God's sovereignty and love is a recurring theme in the Psalms. Matthew Henry, commenting on Psalm 42:1, notes that holy love to God is the power of godliness, and it is characterized by a deep longing for God ^[5]. Similarly, John Gill, interpreting Psalm 104:34, highlights the sweetness of meditating on God's glories, excellencies, and perfections ^[7]. This meditation is not just a mental exercise but a spiritual discipline that brings comfort and joy.

The biblical concept of comfort is closely tied to the idea of God's presence and assurance. In Isaiah 66:13, God is likened to a mother comforting her child, emphasizing the tender and nurturing aspect of his character ^[6]. This imagery is particularly significant in the context of suffering and hardship, where believers find solace in God's sovereign control and loving care.

The interplay between God's sovereignty and love is also reflected in the writings of the apostle Paul. In Romans 15:32, Paul expresses his desire to come to the Romans "in joy through the will of God, and together with you, find rest" ^[1]. This statement underscores the connection between God's sovereignty and the believer's experience of joy and rest.

In the view of Nonconformist/Puritan tradition, as represented by Matthew Henry, the comfort of God's people is rooted in their relationship with him. Commenting on Isaiah 51:4, Henry notes that the comfort belongs to "My people, and my nation, that I have set apart for myself, that own me and are owned by me" ^[8]. This understanding emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the relationship between God and his people.

The Baptist/Reformed tradition, as represented by John Gill, also highlights the significance of God's sovereignty and love in the believer's experience. Gill's commentary on Habakkuk 3:18 illustrates the prophet's resolve to "rejoice in the Lord" despite adversity, trusting in God's salvation and presence ^[9].

The comfort found in God's sovereignty and love is not limited to times of ease but is particularly relevant in the face of hardship and uncertainty. As Torrey's Topical Textbook notes, the happiness of saints in this life is derived from their trust in God, hope in the Lord, and the salvation they have received ^[4]. This understanding is echoed in the writings of the Psalmist, who finds comfort in God's presence and salvation (Psalm 73:25-26; 146:5).

Sources

Romans “that I may come to you in joy through the will of God, and together with you, find rest. -- Romans 15:32”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Sovereignty — Of God, his absolute right to do all things according to his own good pleasure (Dan. 4:25, 35; Rom. 9:15-23; 1 Tim. 6:15; Rev. 4:11).”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Love of God, The — Is a part of his character -- 2Co 13:11; 1Jo 4:8. Christ, the especial object of -- Joh 15:9; 17:26. Christ abides in -- Joh 15:10. Described as Sovereign. -- De 7:8; 10:15. Great. -- Eph 2:4. Abiding. -- Zep 3:17. Unfailing. -- Isa 49:15,16. Unalienable. -- Ro 8:39. Constraining. -- Ho 11:4. Everlasting. -- Jer 31:3. Irrespective of merit -- De 7:7; Job 7:17. Manifested towards Perishing sinners. -- Joh 3:16; Tit 3:4. His saints. -- Joh 16:27; 17:23; 2Th 2:16; 1Jo 4:16. The destitute. -- De 10:18. The cheerful giver. -- 2Co 9:7. Exhibited in The g”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Happiness of Saints In This Life — Is in God -- Ps 73:25,26. Only found in the ways of wisdom -- Pr 3:17,18. Described by Christ in the beatitudes -- Mt 5:3-12. Is derived from Fear of God. -- Ps 128:1,2; Pr 28:14. Trust in God. -- Pr 16:20; Php 4:6,7. The words of Christ. -- Joh 17:13. Obedience to God. -- Ps 40:8; Joh 13:17. Salvation. -- De 33:29; Isa 12:2,3. Hope in the Lord. -- Ps 146:5. Hope of glory. -- Ro 5:2. God being their Lord. -- Ps 144:15. God being their help. -- Ps 146:5. Praising God. -- Ps 135:3. Their mutual love. -- Ps 133:1. Divine chastening. --”
Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 42:1: Holy love to God as the chief good and our felicity is the power of godliness, the very life and soul of religion, without which all external professions and performances are but a shell and carcase: now here we have some of the expressions of that love. Here is, I. Holy love thirsting, love upon the wing, soaring upwards in holy desires towards the Lord and towards the remembrance of his name (Psa 42:1, Psa 42:2): "My soul panteth, thirsteth, for God, for nothing more than God, but still for more and more of him." Now observe, 1. When it was that David thus expre”
Isaiah (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Isaiah 66:13: As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you,.... Though ordinances are means, and ministers are instruments of comfort, God is the sole efficient cause of it; and very wonderful it is that he should condescend to administer it, since he is an immense and infinite Being, the high and lofty One, possessed of all perfections, and yet deigns to revive the spirit of the humble and contrite; since he is the Maker of heaven and earth, and all things, and those he comforts are dust and ashes; and especially since they have sinned against him, and rendered themse”
Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 104:34: My meditation of him shall be sweet,.... Of the glories, excellencies, and perfections of his person; of his offices, as Mediator, King, Priest, and Prophet, the Saviour and Redeemer; of his works of creation, providence, and redemption; of his word, the blessed truths and comfortable doctrines of it; of his providential dispensations, and gracious dealings with his people in the present state; which to meditate upon, when grace is in exercise, is very sweet, delightful, and comfortable. The Targum renders it as a petition, "let my meditation be sweet before him;'”
Isaiah (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Isaiah 51:4: Both these proclamations, as I may call them, end alike with an assurance of the perpetuity of God's righteousness and his salvation; and therefore we put them together, both being designed for the comfort of God's people. Observe, I. Who they are to whom this comfort belongs: "My people, and my nation, that I have set apart for myself, that own me and are owned by me." Those are God's people and his nation who are subject to him as their King and their God, pay allegiance to him, and put themselves under his protection accordingly. They are a people who know righ”
Habakkuk (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Habakkuk 3:18: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,.... In the Word of the Lord, as the Targum; the essential Word of the Lord, the Lord Jesus Christ; in his person, the greatness and glory of it; in his offices, as Prophet, Priest, and King, the only Mediator and Saviour; in his relations, as head and husband, father, brother, friend; in his fulness, grace, and righteousness; in his spiritual presence, and comfortable communion with him, which may be expected in a remarkable manner after the above day of trouble is over; and in his personal appearance, which will shortly be, and when ”

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