Stephanie Garvey on the comfort of God’s sovereignty
Why did you choose this hymn?
For a long while, I have been captivated by the hymn “Whate’er My God Ordains is Right” because it is deeply rooted in biblical truths about God’s sovereignty, trust, and His providence. Its words remind me that when I face unimaginable hardships, our tender, loving God is still in control. I might not understand, but the God of the universe does, and He “holds us that we shall not fall.”
Favorite line or stanza?
No one stanza or line in particular is my favorite; I really appreciate the whole context of the song. However, I find myself referring to the phrase “whate’er my God ordains is right” in my prayers as I seek God to align my heart with His good and perfect will for me. From that, God uses the whole hymn — each verse and the sweeping message — to clear away all my cluttered thoughts, to direct my focus back to Him, and to help me trust in His providence no matter the circumstances.
What does this hymn teach about the Gospel?
This hymn kindly reminds me of God’s truths. In Deuteronomy 32:4, “His work is perfect, for all His ways are justice,” reinforces the premise in the song that whatever God does is completely right and just. Tenderly, the Lord recalls to my mind verses in Romans that all things work together for good and that nothing can separate me from His love, echoing the hymn’s words about comfort in times of sorrow. And even more so, the imagery of “drinking a bitter cup unshrinking” humbles me to know that only through Christ, who drank the bitter cup of death for our salvation, can I do the same and trust that His outcome in the end is good for me.
How has this hymn encouraged, convicted, or comforted you?
I am deeply comforted. I know “He will not leave me” and “I am not forsaken” because Deuteronomy 31:8 and Hebrews 13:5 tell me that He will not leave or forsake me. I am greatly convicted to be still and know that God is God and to remain calm and steadied in His peace whatever He does. (Psalm 46:10). Because of this song’s richness in the truths that God is right, just, and knows what He is doing, I am encouraged to be “content in whatever He sends” and to “follow where He guides me,” and I can rest in His goodness and faithfulness.
Any final thoughts?
Reflecting back to when this hymn became so meaningful to me, lines of other hymns also brought greater depth to understanding God’s sovereign hand in all things:
“From life’s first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny. No power of hell, no scheme of man can ever pluck me from His hand.” (In Christ Alone by Keith Hetty and Stuart Townsend)
“Deep in unfathomable mines … He works His Sovereign will … Clouds … big with mercy will break with blessings on your head … Behind a frowning providence, He hides a smiling face.” (God Works in Mysterious Ways by William Cowper)
