Sermon: God’s in His Heaven, All’s Right with the World

Sermon Date: 11/16/2025

Bible Verses:

• Psalm 115:3 – “Our God is in the heavens; He does all that He pleases.”
• Psalm 115:12–18 – The Lord remembers us, blesses us, and His praise endures forever.
• 1 Chronicles 29:11–12 – “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory… for all that is in heaven and earth is Yours.”
• Romans 8:28 – “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good.”
• Psalm 103 – He rules over all; His steadfast love is from everlasting to everlasting.

Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley

Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-

Introduction

A few weeks ago, Sarah and I watched an adaptation of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne Shirley series — Anne of Green Gables, Anne of Avonlea, and Anne of the Island. I grew up watching other adaptations, so I was familiar with the story. However, I had never actually read the books themselves. Recently, I decided to change that and read Anne of Green Gables. It only took me a day, but it stayed with me long after I finished.

The book closes with a line that struck me deeply:

“God’s in His heaven, all’s right with the world.” — Robert Browning, Pippa Passes

In Browning’s poem, young Pippa walks through town singing this line, imagining the happiness of others — unaware of the darker realities surrounding her. The phrase, however, carries something profound. For Anne, it expresses a confidence that even in hardship, the world is still good because God reigns.

Some critics have misunderstood the quote, taking it to mean “As long as God stays out of our affairs, everything will be fine.” But that reading misses the point entirely. The truth is this: because God is on His throne, all is right — not because life is easy, but because His rule is sure.

That thought has been turning over in my heart these past few weeks. The more I read Scripture, the more I see it affirmed again and again: God’s sovereignty is not distant; it is deeply involved in the details of our lives.

So today, as we open God’s Word, I want us to hold on to this truth: If God is in His heaven — not absent, but active — then all is right in His kingdom. That doesn’t mean everything feels right. But it means that everything is being made right under His sovereign hand.

1. God Is Sovereign Over All

Psalm 115:3 – “Our God is in the heavens; He does all that He pleases.”

God’s sovereignty is not passive; it is absolute, active, and intentional. He is not reacting to the chaos of the world — He is reigning over it. He does not need permission to act; He acts according to His perfect will and wisdom.

When the psalmist says, “He does all that He pleases,” it reminds us that God’s desires are always holy and good. What pleases God is never arbitrary or cruel — it’s consistent with His character of love, justice, and truth.

This truth means:

• Nothing surprises Him. He’s not caught off guard by history or our personal struggles.
• Nothing limits Him. His power is unchallenged by earthly rulers or spiritual forces.
• Nothing escapes Him. Even the smallest details of life fall under His watchful care.

We may not understand all His purposes, but we can rest knowing His rule is righteous and His plan is flawless.

Isaiah 46:10: “My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” Daniel 4:35: “He does according to His will among the host of heaven and the inhabitants of the earth.”

Application: When life feels uncertain, remember that God has never once lost control. The throne of heaven is not vacant — and that truth anchors us when the world around us shakes.

2. God’s Rule Is Good and Faithful

Psalm 115:12–18 – “The Lord remembers us and will bless us…”

The God who reigns above also remembers those below. His sovereignty is not cold bureaucracy; it’s covenant love in action. He rules the universe, yet He is mindful of His people — caring for the weak, defending the humble, and blessing those who fear Him.

God’s rule is not merely about power; it’s about presence. He is not a distant monarch who governs from afar — He is a faithful Father who blesses from near. His reign is relational, not mechanical.

Notice the repeated pattern in these verses:

• “He will bless the house of Israel… He will bless those who fear the Lord.”
• “May the Lord cause you to flourish.”
• “The dead do not praise the Lord… but we will bless the Lord from this time forth and forevermore.”

God’s faithfulness isn’t seasonal; it is from generation to generation. His promises never expire. His blessings aren’t based on our perfe