Providence

Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day and today I noticed several emails and Facebook posts on the general topics of ‘love’ and ‘true love.’  They all had a nice, uplifting tone to them.  Some of them were faith-based, with images of Jesus and verses from the Bible.  The most common verses used were John 3:16 and 1 Corinthians 13:13.

Throughout the day another part of my brain has been pondering God’s providence.  I have been reading an excellent discussion of what the Puritan’s had to say about providence.  Providence is the idea that God is actively engaged in the world, maintaining it and guiding it for His purposes.  Many Bible verses speak to this, with Matthew 6:25-33, being among the most familiar.  Jesus closes this portion of the Sermon on the Mount saying:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all of these things will be added to you.”

Jesus is teaching that because God is taking care of us, and everything around us, that we don’t need to have anxiety over the circumstances of our lives.  We can trust Him and love Him the way He deserves to be loved, rather than being consumed by other pursuits.

These two thoughts, Valentine’s Day and God’s providence, connect with each other because God provides for us out of His love for us.  His love isn't the idealized love of the Valentine’s Day card, or the romance movie, or some other image we carry in our mind. 

His love is something infinitely better than idealized love, because it is perfect love. 

One of the ways that God shows His perfect love and providential care is through His protection.  His protection is always present.  Even when we are suffering His protection is present.  One day we will die, but it will always be within the limits that He sets, and as we pass from this world we will pass into an eternity in Heaven with Him.

So the last thing I have for this post is a link to Whom Shall I Fear, a new song by Chris Tomlin that I was listening to today, a song that speaks of the protection God always has for those who have faith in Him through Christ Jesus.  May you be blessed as you listen to the song here.  The lyrics are here.  And since I have linked this from youtube you may have to endure a cheesy add.  It’s worth it.  

Be blessed in God’s perfect love today and everyday.

 

Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.