One of the most comforting doctrines of the Christian faith is that of God’s providence.  The Abstract of Principles, the first official confession of faith endorsed by Southern Baptists, states the doctrine of God’s providence as follows:

God from eternity, decrees or permits all things that come to pass, and perpetually upholds, directs and governs all creatures and all events; yet so as not to destroy the free will and responsibility of intelligent creatures.

Scripture: Heb. 1:3; Dan. 4:34, 35; Ps. 135:6; Acts 17:25, 26, 28; Job chapters 38 to 41; Matt. 10:29, 30, 31; Prov. 15:3; Ps. 104:24; Ps. 145:17; Acts 15:18; Ps. 94:8, 9, 10, 11; Eph. 1:11; Ps. 33:10, 11; Isa. 63:14; Eph. 3:10; Rom. 9:17; Gen. 45:7; Ps. 145:7.

Another of the most beautiful confessional statements of God’s providence are found in the Heidelberg Catechism:

What do you mean by the providence of God? (Question 27)

The almighty and everywhere present power of God; whereby, as it were by His hand, He upholds and governs heaven, earth, and all creatures; so that herbs and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, meat and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, yea, and all things come, not by chance, but by His fatherly hand.

What advantage is it to us to know that God has created, and by His providence does still uphold all things? (Question 28 )

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.

 What’s troubling you today?  Have you committed it to your loving heavenly Father?  Are you trusting in His loving hand of providence to work all things for your good and for His glory?