The Providence of God
The Rev. Lou Tiscione, Pastor, Weatherford Presbyterian Church (PCA)
As we all prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of our country, may we direct our thoughts to the God who always provides, as did George Washington following our revolutionary victory. We live in this free land because of the providence of God. Yes, He accomplished His purpose through brave men and women who risked everything to stand for freedom against a tyrant king in England. I ask that our thoughts be directed to the doctrine of the providence of God and by it be drawn to give Him thanks for the freedoms that we enjoy but sometimes take for granted.
Chapter 3 of The Westminster Confession of Faith states, “God, from all eternity, did by the most wise and holy counsel of his own will, freely, and unchangeable ordain whatsoever comes to pass…” Plainly, the Confession simply declared the truth of God’s word (Ephesians 1:11; Romans 11:33). There are no coincidences in this life. Nothing simply happens. Yet, the natural question that follows is, “How does God accomplish His decrees?” The Fifth Chapter of that same Confession answers the question biblically. “God the great Creator of all things doth uphold, direct, dispose, and govern all creatures, actions, and things, from the greatest even to the least, by his most wise and holy providence…” (Cf. Proverbs 15:3; Psalm 104:24; Psalm 145:17).
Years ago, a popular song, “Don’t worry, be happy”, fundamentally expressed a denial of reality. It expressed more than a song; it was a philosophy of life. There are those who would tell us that reality can be created. They suggest that worry can be overcome by thinking happy thoughts, whatever that means. After we awake from our “happy” dreams, life with all its cares and worries is still there.
God commands His people not to worry. He does so not because reality can be denied, but that reality is to be embraced. Specifically, God has revealed Himself as the One who always provides for His people. The reality that must be embraced is the truth of God who always provides.
Abraham, the father of all who believe in God, declared the truth of the providence of God (see Genesis 22:8, 14). The psalmist wrote, God “provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever” (Psalm 111:5). The Apostle Paul commanded the church in Philippi, “do not be anxious about anything” (Philippians 4:6).
What did Abraham, the psalmist and Paul know? It is clear as we read about their lives and what they wrote they were not ones who denied reality and simply thought happy thoughts. Abraham, for example, was in the process of obeying God by preparing to sacrifice his son Isaac when he confessed trust in God to provide. Abraham embraced reality and he trusted God. He knew as Paul did that God would never be unfaithful for to do so would be to deny Himself (2 Timothy 2:13)!
“Don’t worry, be happy” by Bobby McFerin and was the number one song in 1988. It presented a seemingly innocent and harmless suggestion. But on further examination, it must be noted that Bobby McFerin didn’t originate the phrase. It was promoted by an Indian mystic, Meher Baba. Meher Baba considered himself to be the Ancient One and god. He believed that he was the real self within everyone. His view of himself is confirmed by one of his recorded statements, “I have come not to teach but to awaken.”
Directly opposed to Maher Baba’s lie is life in Christ. God has not only revealed Himself but He has revealed propositional truth. We do not need some self-proclaimed guru to find the meaning of life. You see, the source of worry is not our lack of “happy thoughts” nor embracing the god within us. The source of worry is unbelief in the one, true God. The God who provides is the one who created all that we see. He is the one who ordains all that comes to pass. He is transcendent, not part of Creation. The Bible says, in Jesus Christ “all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell” (Colossians 1:20) and in Him we can have intimacy with God.
Bobby McFerin’s song concerns happiness. As we all know, happiness is very elusive. Amid anxiety and worry it’s nearly impossible to find happiness. The impossible becomes possible with God. The Apostle Paul gave advice to Timothy concerning the source of true joy which exceeds happiness. “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17).
The American “experiment” was not something that just happened! It was ordained by God who provided all the means by which it would be realized. In our celebrations, rejoice in knowing that the God in whom we trust is the God who always provides. We live and enjoy freedom because of the gracious providence of God! May we cherish what He has provided.
