The concept of the providence of God is a central theme in Christian theology, reflecting God's sovereign and benevolent guidance over the universe and the lives of individuals. Depending upon God's providence involves trusting in His wisdom, power, and goodness to direct the course of events in accordance with His divine will and purpose.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that illustrate the results of depending upon God's providence. One of the most profound expressions of this trust is found in Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This passage underscores the importance of relying on God's understanding rather than human wisdom, promising divine guidance as a result.

Old Testament Examples

The account of Joseph in the book of Genesis is a classic example of God's providence at work. Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph rose to a position of power in Egypt. He later recognized God's hand in his journey, saying to his brothers, "As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people" (Genesis 50:20). Joseph's life demonstrates how dependence on God's providence can lead to the fulfillment of His greater purposes.

Another example is found in the life of Ruth. Her decision to stay with her mother-in-law Naomi and her subsequent marriage to Boaz were pivotal in God's plan, leading to her becoming the great-grandmother of King David. Ruth's account illustrates how God orchestrates events for the good of those who trust in Him.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus teaches about the providence of God in the Sermon on the Mount. He encourages His followers not to worry about their needs, saying, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). This teaching emphasizes that dependence on God and His kingdom results in the provision of all necessary things.

The Apostle Paul also speaks to the providence of God in Romans 8:28: "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." This assurance is a cornerstone for believers, affirming that God's providential care is active in every circumstance for those who depend on Him.

Practical Implications

Depending upon God's providence requires a posture of faith and surrender. It involves acknowledging God's sovereignty and trusting that His plans are ultimately for our good and His glory. This dependence is not passive but calls for active engagement in prayer, obedience, and seeking God's will in all aspects of life.

The result of such dependence is peace and confidence, as believers rest in the assurance that God is in control. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers to present their requests to God with thanksgiving, promising that "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" .

Conclusion

The providence of God, when depended upon, leads to a life marked by divine guidance, provision, and peace. Through biblical examples and teachings, believers are encouraged to trust in God's sovereign care, knowing that He is working all things for their good and His ultimate purpose.Luke 22:35
And he said to them, When I sent you without purse, and money, and shoes, lacked you any thing? And they said, Nothing.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Purposes of God.
... acting freely under the government and universal providence of God ... or would come
to pass as a result of his ... are ever to conic to pass, whether God purposes them ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xlvi purposes of god.htm

Discerning Prayer.
... It must result in presumptions faith, if obedience is neglected, and the ... Let us not
waver in our faith in God's overruling providence, and in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/discerning prayer.htm

2 Cor. Iii. 5
... all Christians, in the ordinary Course of God's Providence; that St. ... his Work; and
all the happy Result of it ... Faculties is the creating Work of God; ascribed to ...
/.../sermon xiv 2 cor iii.htm

A Mighty Saviour
... the pioneer of civilisation, and under the providence of God ... All the heavenly result
of preaching is owing to the ... around are all nothing; it is God that doeth ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/a mighty saviour.htm

God's Will and Man's Will
... God's will is the great heart of providence sending its ... So, then, it seems that the
grand result of the ... there be that salvation depends upon the will of God? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/gods will and mans will.htm

Of the Decrees of God.
... are about his work indeed, as the result of all ... wills abandoned, and your spirits
subdued to God, both in ... Do not fall out with Providence, but commit thy way ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xiv of the decrees.htm

Growing up into Christ
... be carried out or given up as His providence shall indicate ... This is the sure result
of union with Jesus ... and raises the thoughts and desires toward God and heaven ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 8 growing up into.htm

Whither Goest Thou?
... Are you depending upon your own power, or have you ... truthfully with him, even if the
result should cause ... You will kick against God's providence if you are a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/whither goest thou.htm

The Scotch Covenants and the Scotch Kirk.
... The result was the overthrow of the artificial scheme which bigotry and ... in former
times to our progenitors, is, by the good providence of God, granted unto ...
/.../ 90 the scotch covenants.htm

The Chorus of Angels
... in the view of finite intelligence; the result, the combined ... in His works of Creation
and Providence, but these do ... but that, which the Lamb of God has made by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xlix the chorus of.htm

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