What do we mean when we speak of God’s Providence?
This is something I’ve considered recently as my eyes have been opened to see how God’s sovereignty has worked everything for my good and His glory in my life.
Providence can be defined as God’s “care”. It is closely related to the concept of sovereignty: the “supreme power and authority” of God. Jesus demonstrates his providence and sovereignty when he calms the storm, multiplies the bread and fish, and raises the dead. He demonstrates his authority over nature and the natural order of the world through these miracles. These actions place Jesus above and beyond the natural order of the universe, revealing him as the one who is not bound by natural laws because he exists before them.
But sovereignty can also refer to direction in life. God has authority over the direction that life goes and the way he weaves our lives together is beautiful.
As I look back at the last few years of my life I see, in hindsight, how God has orchestrated different things in my life to lead me to where I am now. That’s an encouraging thing to see as I look back and move forward. I’m very glad that my life is not mine to control. It’s encouraging to rest in the serenity of knowing that the direction of my life is not up to me. There is freedom, serenity, and faith in that realization. Providence is a promise that encourages faith and trust as we walk through this uncertain life with certainty in one thing: the goodness of God.