Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of men! – Psalm 107:8
A word that has fallen into disuse when referring to God in the contemporary church is “providence.” Essentially, it is the spiritual power and protective care of God over nature. The founding fathers of this nation often referenced Divine Providence in acknowledging the work and guidance of the Lord.
In the Westminster Catechism, God’s works of providence are described as “his most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures, ordering them, and all their actions, to His own glory.” It goes on to explain the special act of providence God exercised toward humankind: “The providence of God toward man in the estate in which he was created, was the placing him in paradise, appointing him to dress it, giving him liberty to eat of the fruit of the earth; putting the creatures under his dominion, and obtaining heritage for his help, affording him communion with Himself, entering into a covenant of life with him.” His conditions were personal and perpetual obedience. Of course, you know that humankind’s original parents failed in that obedience, ultimately culminating in another act of God’s providence—giving His Son, Jesus, to redeem the people back to Himself.
From those first days of creation until today—and beyond—God’s love for His creation has been freely given and steadfast, immovable, firm, resolute, and unwavering. If you know Him, you have personally availed yourself of that love. And there is more to come!
Take the time to slow down, consider the creation and its beauty (even in its corrupted state), and thank God for His love and for all that He has provided. Have confidence that His love will endure, for it is the very essence of Who He is.
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