Psalm 135:1-13

Providence is not just the capital of the smallest state in the union – it is a term that describes the working of God in a way that He is at work in our universe.

Providence is the means by which God directs all things, animate and inanimate, seen and unseen, good and evil, toward a worthy purpose, which means that His will must ultimately prevail.

Hear the words of Nebuchadnezzar after he had been humbled by God for seven years by existing like an animal.

All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” Daniel 4:35

These words tell us that God does not report to anyone concerning His conduct. God runs the universe, and HE does it His way. Providence is at the steering wheel of this universe. Let’s see how it works.

• God’s providence is made evident in individual experience – Joseph (Genesis 37-45)
  • In Joseph’s brothers’ dealings
    • The caravan rather than the pit of death
  • The prison, rather than the palace, for proper timing
  • The dream rather than the drought
  • The empire rather than the famine

In all of this, God’s providence was over Joseph, and His providence was protecting His people.

• God’s providence is seen in the physical world (Joshua 10:12-13)
  • The enemy
    • 5 kings aligned themselves to destroy Israel at Gibeon
  • The strategy
    • Lengthen the day so they could not escape from the hand of Joshua

In His providence, God fights for us against our enemy.

• God’s providence is demonstrated in the political realm (Esther)
  • Esther was chosen to be queen in a most unusual way
    • Plucked from obscurity
  • Mordecai overheard a strategic message
    • The king’s life was in danger
  • God used these events to protect and preserve His people

God is interested in the day-by-day happenings of our lives, and He is there to work in the smallest of details.

Having seen the evidence of God’s providence, we should have an unwavering faith in what God is doing every day of our lives. Not only that, but this should serve as an encouragement to each of us to yield ourselves totally to His purpose.