Divine Providence

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. (Matt. 10:29)

Question 11: What are God’s works of Providence?
Answer: God’s works of Providence are his most holy, wise, and powerful, preserving and governing all his creatures, and all their actions.[i]
 
When we talk about the doctrine of Divine Providence we are talking about the way in which God directs, governs, and sustains all of creation. The Bible tells us that it is God who causes the rain to fall and the grass to grow (Ps 147:8). It is God who cause nations to rise and fall (Job 12:23). It is God who creates darkness and light, calamity and peace (Isaiah 45:7). The Bible tells us that not even a bird flutters to the ground outside of the will of God (Matt 10:29). The Bible makes clear there is not a single atom outside of the direct and sovereign control of God. All of this is summed up in what theologians call the Providence of God. This truth is at once comforting and humbling. It is comforting to know that someone is in control of this seemingly chaotic world, that our lives are not at the mercy of circumstance or chance but rather, when it comes to the believer, God is working all things for the good of those who love him (Rom 8:28). But this truth is also humbling and that it reminds us that He is God and we are not, that ultimately our destiny is not in our own hands. We are not the masters of our own ship. We are not our own dog. Thus, all people are under the authority of God, whether they realize it or not. The difference between the believer and the unbeliever is that the believer acknowledges God's authority over his life and rejoices in it and derives great comfort from it.             

[i] “A Catechism with Proofs” by Charles Haddon Spurgeon