We are living in interesting times, aren’t we? One could argue that for many, it is also a time of great uncertainty that has provoked much anxiety. The year King Uzziah died was a time of uncertainty and transition for the nation of Judah. Uzziah had been a strong and prosperous king, ruling for over fifty years. His death likely left the people feeling vulnerable and unsure about the future. Yet, in that very moment of national instability, fear, and uncertainty, Isaiah received a vision that changed everything: “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of His robe filled the temple” (Isaiah 6:1, ESV). He saw the Lord, not pacing in anxiety or scrambling for control, but sitting on His throne, high and exalted. Just because we are anxious doesn’t mean that God is anxious.
The image Isaiah saw spoke volumes about God’s nature. Despite the chaos on earth, heaven remained unshaken. Kings may rise and fall, leaders may change, and circumstances may shift, but God is eternally sovereign. He is in control, reigning over all creation. He is neither surprised by events nor limited by human affairs. He reigns supreme. This image has significant meaning for us: 1) God’s rule is unshakable. Life is full of uncertainties. We face personal losses, economic struggles, and global turmoil. But just as Isaiah saw God reigning amid uncertainty, we must remember that God is still on the throne today. He is not moved by the chaos of the world. No situation is beyond His control. His authority is eternal, and nothing catches Him off guard. 2) God is exalted above all things. The description of God’s throne being “high and lifted up” reminds us that His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). He is not limited by human understanding or bound by earthly events. We may not always understand His plans, but we can trust that He is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28). Instead of allowing fear to dominate our hearts, we should exalt Him in our thinking, recognizing that He reigns over every aspect of our lives. 3) God’s presence fills the temple. The train of His robe filling the temple signifies His overwhelming presence and glory. God is not distant or uninvolved—He is near. Even though He is the sovereign ruler of the universe, He is also present with His people. When we draw near to Him in worship, we are reminded that He is with us, surrounding us with His majesty, power, and peace.
Isaiah’s vision calls us to respond in three key ways: 1) Trust in God’s sovereignty. No matter what is happening around us, we must remember that God is still on the throne. He is in control, and His plans are always for our good (Romans 8:28). 2) Surrender our worries. If God reigns over all things, we have no reason to be anxious. Instead of holding onto fear, we must surrender everything to Him in prayer (Philippians 4:6-7). 3) Worship Him as King. God’s throne is not only a place of power but also a place of worship. Isaiah’s vision shows that God is worthy of all honor, praise, and adoration. We should live daily in awe of His majesty and holiness.
The sovereignty of God comforts me, and it should comfort you too. Margaret Clarkson reminds us, “The sovereignty of God is the one impregnable rock to which the suffering human heart must cling. The circumstances surrounding our lives are no accident: they may be the work of evil, but that evil is held firmly within the mighty hand of our sovereign God.” When life feels uncertain, and it seems the “bad guys” are winning, we can trust in His unshakable rule. He reigns above all things, and amid turmoil and chaos, His presence can fill our lives with peace. You and I can be grateful that we can surrender our fears and anxieties to Him and choose to worship Him as our sovereign King. May we always remember that no matter what happens, our heavenly Father is still, and will always be, in control. He alone has the last word.
