Providence

Providence is God's ordering of all things. In creation He made everything as He wanted it to be. It was not chance but design. Similarly history, our circumstances, etc., are not chance but by God's design. See 1 Kings 22:28&34; Proverbs 16:33.

God upholds all things (Hebrews 1:2-3), works all things according to ...His will (Ephesians 1:11), for good (Romans 8:28).

Many would think of good things as being sent by God but it may be quite alarming to hear it stated that the bad things are sent by God. Yet this is clear in the Bible: Genesis 50:20 and Acts 2:22-33.  It is not just good things that He works together for good, but all things work together for good. Then note the words of the Heidelberg Catechism Q/A 26.  As the preachers used to express it "Our disappointments are His appointments".  This is not just that He permits, but actually plans the "nasties".  He determines all things.

Knowledge of God's providence will affect our response to:

1. PROSPERITY (not just material wealth but when things are going really well). We will not be proud but full of humble gratitude.

2. UNCERTAINTY. We will not be anxious but simply trust in what God will do.

3. ADVERSITY. We will not complain but know that God has His purposes to work out. Whingeing is worldly. It is the mode of those who do not know a loving heavenly Father.

4. ETERNITY. We will not simply be resigned to the inevitable, nor just be relieved that the struggle of life will be over, but have full confidence that the very best is in store.