Once in a while a photo sparks one of my blog posts. Earlier this summer, I admired this photograph* of the tall ship Providence, sailing through the Wilson Bridge, in Alexandria, VA near Washington, DC. It brought to mind the idea of the providence of God. When I think of God’s providence, I associate it with His goodness toward us. God often protects and provides for us in generous ways and in ways we couldn’t earn for ourselves. I see God’s sweet providence to me when a neighbor brings me flowers, when an item I need is on sale, or when a loved one recovers more quickly than expected.
The American Dictionary of the English Language, a preferred resource by one of my family members, defines theological providence as “the care and superintendence which God exercises over his creatures.”** Maybe that aligns with my perception of its meaning as God’s good care of us. Some will challenge this view asking about those events that do not seem good, times when disease or tragedy strike. That leads me to the second term that I often pair with the thought of providence, and that is sovereignty.
God is sovereign. He has the right, the authority, the power, and the responsibility to carry out His plan. Parts of His plan, at times, do not seem good but because God is good (Psalm 107 v 1), His plan must be trusted. This is difficult to always accept. Horrible stories cross our screens daily.
Typically, Christians lean on Scriptures that promise God’s goodness. Jeremiah 29 v 11 states, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you” but it should be remembered that these words were spoken to a people living in captivity. Romans 8 v 28 promises that “in all things God works together for the good of those who love Him” but it must be noted that not all things are good, but for the good of those called according to His purpose. Isaiah does not mince words about life’s dangers when he writes, “when you pass through the waters …. when you walk through the fire” but he continues by speaking of God’s care, His providence, over those in danger (Isaiah 43 v 2). Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble,” which sounds ominous, but He adds, “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16 v 33)
As my husband and I embark on an upcoming adventure, we pray for God’s providence, that He will superintend over all that we have planned, but friends are cruising in quarantine, experiencing God’s sovereignty over an unplanned outcome. You can wish us a bon voyage, and Godspeed to all of you too! See my blog post on “Godspeed”
* The photo may have been from the Facebook page “Visit Alexandria, VA” **Webster, Noah. 1828. Websterdictionary1828.com
Postscript – After drafting this post on Saturday afternoon, my pastor specifically spoke about God’s sovereignty and providence in the Sunday morning sermon. Coincidental? No, providential! And we concur.
This post is best viewed at A Writer’s Daughter
