Providence

Examples of Providence

Dt 7:13-24 HE will bless you and multiply you. Your womb, your land, your animals; all will be fruitful. You shall be blessed above all peoples. No barrenness or sickness shall come upon you as it did in Egypt, but those who hate you will know these diseases. You will destroy utterly those whom the LORD commands. Have no pity, nor worship their gods. If you become afraid of them, recall what GOD did to all Egypt. You saw the wonders of His mighty hand bringing you out. As HE did then HE will do to all those peoples you fear. Fear not! Your GOD is with you, and HE is a great and awesome GOD. HE will clear your enemies from the land gradually, so that wild animals will not overrun the land, yet they shall be destroyed. Kings will fall to you, and be forgotten. None shall stand before you until you have destroyed them.
Dt 8:3-4 HE humbled you, letting you know hunger. HE fed you with manna to teach you that you live not by bread only, but by GOD's word. For forty years, your clothes did no wear, nor your feet swell.
Dt 8:18 You will remember GOD, for HE gives you the power to make wealth, to confirm His own covenant, which holds to this day.
Dt 10:18 HE brings justice to orphans and widows. HE loves the aliens by giving them food and clothes.
Dt 11:7-8 Your eyes have witnessed His works, so keep His commandments. Thereby be strong to possess the land.
Dt 11:12-15 GOD cares constantly for this land, ever watching. If you will obey Him, HE will provide rains in their seasons so that you may gather your wine and your oil. HE will provide grass for your herds.
Dt 12:7 You will eat before the LORD, and rejoice in all your works, for in them all the LORD has blessed you.
Dt 12:28 Be certain you hear all that I command you, so that it will be well with you and your family forever, because you are doing what GOD declares good and right.
Dt 13:17-18 Don't attempt to keep what is devoted to GOD, lest His anger be upon you. Let Him show you His mercy, increasing you as He promises, if you obey Him in doing what is right in His eyes.
Dt 15:4-6 There will be no poor among you, for GOD blesses the land that He gives you if you obey Him. He will bless you as He promised. You will lend and not borrow, rule and not be ruled.
Dt 26:19 HE will put you above all nations (HE made them all) in fame, honor, and praise. You are a people consecrated to GOD by His own word.

New Thoughts

I came on this vacation thinking to study Your providence in the mornings, and so I have. But You have been showing the wonders of Your providence throughout! From the very first, You have been giving us special and unique moments.

You brought us to Quechee Gorge, though I was aiming elsewhere. You blessed us with a wonderful gent at the Round Church, and a surprisingly good lunch at his recommendation. You gave us a private tour of the pilot house on the ferry in response to a question I don't even recall.

Again, You showed us unscheduled wonders at Ausible Chasm. Then, as though You had not done enough, You provide us with a private sail yesterday! You even caused Jan to sleep as You led me to the perfect gift for my beloved. Indeed, Your love for us, Your care for us, is wonderful beyond words. Thank You!

But I am brought to a reminder today that Your provision is just as real in the everyday. You command Your children to rejoice in our labors, all our labors, for in all our labors You bless us (Dt 12:7). How hard it is, Lord, to remember this in the midst. It's so hard to see blessing in the present situation at work, yet in remembering this, there is blessing indeed.

I see those around me concerned about their jobs, their futures. And in all truth, I share much of their concern. Yet, this I know: My God shall provide. Your children shall not be left wanting. Help me, oh Lord, to keep my trust in You and not bosses. Help me, in this land of plenty, to remember You always, to rejoice in You in all things, to hold fast to the knowledge - the knowledge of both understanding and experience - that You work all things to the good of Your laborers. Hold me in the comfort of knowing that whatever may come, whether this job holds or fails, Your hand is upon us still. Though there be giants in the land, You are with us, and Your mighty arm will prevail and provide.

Father, forgive me for failing to see Your arms around me. Forgive me for falling into grumbling so easily, for turning to my own strength to save. My strength is nothing. I can neither save nor change this company You have provided for me by. I can only hold to You, trust in You, rejoice in the labors by which You are providing for me, as well as the wonderful times of refreshing You give. And again I say, "REJOICE!"