2/20/12- Defining Providence

WSC Q. 11. (2012 version) What is God’s providence?
A. God’s providence is His completely holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing every
creature and every action.

Upholding all things by the word of his power (Heb. 1:3)

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. (Matthew 10:29)

(Scepter)


Thoughts: God keeps us and rules over us.  He is our protector, our King, our Lord.  Life is not one big meaningless accident.  Nor is it a matter of luck.  To be able to govern shows His wisdom and power.  But God also governs in righteousness and holiness. 

Prayer: May I grow in my ability to trust in our governing and ruling.

2/12/12- Creation and providence

Q. 8- How does God carry out these decrees?
A: God carries out His decrees in the acts of providence and creation.

“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, 
for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” (Rev. 4:11)


²⁹ Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. ³⁰ And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹ So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-31)

(God never closes creation for maintenance. He continually governs and maintains)


Thoughts: How does God act in time and space?  God creates and God takes care of creation.  God builds and then takes care of the building.  Some believe that God just created and then did not care for His creation.  But the God of love, loves His making.  The God who loves also is the all-powerful maker.  The making of things creates the stuff- but the providence of things is His governing- caring for the stuff. 


Prayer: Lord, that I am alive now is your gift.  That you watch over me, provide for me, and are gracious to me is your gift as well.  Help me to trust and rely on you.