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LESSONS ON PROVIDENCE (4)
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
Psalm 37:1-11, 23-34

Philippians 4:4-9

 

“Rest in the LORD,

and wait patiently for him…”

 

LESSONS ON PROVIDENCE (4)
 
According to the Heidelberg Catechism on Providence, the answer given to Question 28 as regards the profit to man of the doctrine of providence states that: “That we may be patient in adversity; thankful in prosperity; and that in all things, which may hereafter befall us, we place our firm trust in our faithful God and Father, that nothing shall separate us from his love; since all creatures are so in his hand, that without his will they cannot so much as move.” The knowledge and understanding of the doctrine of the providence of God works to affirm, strengthen, and put our faith in God alone.
 
“Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass” (Ps 37:5). The perspective with which we view, assess and face life when shaped by the knowledge of God and His work of providence changes, especially with regard to the age-old difficulty that surrounds the issue of the prosperity of the wicked and the apparent triumph of evil. The three-fold call to trust given in Psalm 37:3-7 best summarises this change in view and perspective of life and its events. The providence of God requires a response from us, and that response is to be evidenced in our relationship with God despite the circumstances and goings-on around us. Our relationship to God and our approach to life is not to be governed by and based on the happenings of life or our understanding of the circumstances we find ourselves in. Rather, it is to be governed by our trust in God, and our knowledge of Him and His attributes, and His work. Psalm 37 encourages full trust and confidence in God, and this trust and confidence should keep us focused on our duty and submission to God, always doing that which we know to be good and acceptable to God. God has His way, His plan and will, and His time. Our response to this is presented by the Psalmist as to wait patiently for the LORD (Ps 37:7; 40:1). This waiting patiently also involves a prayerful consistency in times of adversity and affliction (Ps 3:4; 18:6; 55:17; 77:1; 88:9; 116:1). Providence is the confidence that God is working according to His purpose and plan for us, and thus “all things work together for good” (Rom 8:28).
 
THOUGHT: (Read Romans 8:31.)

PRAYER: (Read Psalm 27:7.)

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