One of the most precious truths that I have learned in the past 2 years since becoming a christian, is that everything, absolutely everything is ultimately purposed to point to God and His glory. It is with this lens that makes facing tragedies, suffering, hardships, or just the unexplainable become not only bearable but also joyful. Don't misunderstand - not joyful that anyone would experience pain or difficulty, but rather joyful in knowing that we serve a God who has an absolute purpose in everything. And I'm not talking about a flimsy, spur of the moment plan that is a reaction to an event - no, I am speaking of a plan that has been in place since before even a hair on my head existed. That is the kind of sovereignty God possesses.
I think it is important to saturate ourselves with the idea that it is not about us - that nothing is about us. And I know that this is a hard one for most because we by nature are self consumed, prideful, and a have a "the world revolves around me" mentality. So to admit to this idea that God's glory eclipses our needs, happiness, or plans is not easy but once you are able to wrap your brain around it - it is one of the sweetest things. It gives meaning to every senseless act, every depraved situation - to be able to say and understand that whether it is tangible to us or not God will be glorified - that is the greatest comfort.
The most clearly revealing text in all of the Bible to contest to this is Isaiah 48:9-1:
"For my name’s sake I defer my anger, for the sake of my praise I restrain it for you, that I may not cut you off. Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction. For my own sake, for my own sake, I do it, for how should my name be profaned? My glory I will not give to another."
To break it down, God focuses 6 different times on these ideals:
For my name’s sake
For the sake of my praise
For my own sake
For my own sake
How should my name be profaned
My glory I will not give to another
Okay so I think we can say he takes this pretty seriously.
Another thing to consider is that our ultimate purpose in all we do is to point and highlight the infinite worth of God and His glory.
"Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth, every one who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory." Isaiah 43:6-7
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16
"I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins." Isaiah 43:25
"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." l Corinthians 10:31
"Whoever serves, let him serve as one who serves by the strength which God supplies – in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." l Peter 4:11
These are just a few examples among many that show the unequivocal importance God places on his own glory. I like to parallel this with the importance of dying to ourselves and our flesh (Galatians 2:20, Luke 9:23, Matthew 10:38, Romans 6:1-23) because it makes that much more sense when we acknowledge the call on our lives to be consumed with His glory. Not only are we a people with vile, wicked hearts and intentions regardless of our efforts - our need to deny our natural inclinations and predisposition to defame God is so important. But we are also a people called to put God's glory above all else. Above everything our flesh would desire.The idea that God works everything out for OUR good - for those who love Him - is too often misconstrued (Romans 8:28). We often forget to focus on the last part of that verse "...according to His purpose". He works everything our for HIS good, which in the end correlates to our good since our ultimate purpose is for his glory and we are our most joyful when we are glorifying Him since that, as I said earlier, is why we were created.
My reason for bringing this up - something I am very passionate about - is because it not only shows God's character and ultimate purpose but it brings hope and rejoicing in the unexplainable and numerous and often senseless tragedies we keep on facing. To be sorrowful, yet able to cling to hope is so very sweet.
May God place a desperation in all of our heart's for His glory above all else, and in the same breathe, may that same sovereignty be a comfort.
