Providence

This was written by Wayne Jackson. It appeared in the April 1974 edition of the "Christian Courier"; edited by Jackson and published by the East Main Street Church of Christ in Stockton, CA.

In his classic book Robinson Crusoe, famed author Daniel Defoe emphasized that when Crusoe was shipwrecked on a forsaken island, he was deprived of almost everything that people consider vital for happiness. After reflecting upon his condition, he has Crusoe say, "I sat down to my meat with thankfulness, and admired the hand of God's providence which had thus spread my table in the wilderness. I learned to look more on the bright side of my condition, and less upon the dark side, and to consider what I had rather than what I wanted. And this at times gave me such secret comforts that I cannot express them... All our discontents about what we want appeared to me to spring from the want of thankfulness for what we have!"

Surely these are times of great concern to all serious minded people. Many are perplexed about governmental scandal, and a variety of crises confront us. Perhaps it would not be inappropriate for us to reflect upon the gracious providence of our wonderful God. It would scarcely be possible to exaggerate the concern that our heavenly Father has for His children. Job once asked: "Doth not he see my ways, and number all my steps?" (Job 31:4; Cf. Psalm 56:8) Jesus taught that Jehovah's interest in even the smallest of His creatures is genuine proof of His concern for those who serve Him. "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? and not one of them shall fall on the ground without your Father; but the very hairs of your head are numbered. Fear not, therefore; ye are of more value than many sparrows." (Matthew 10:29-31)

Supplementing this, in the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord emphasized that a recognition of the gracious providence of God would relieve us of the anxiety commonly characteristic of daily living. Christ exhorts: "Be not anxious (literally, don't keep on worrying) for your life, what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor yet for your body, what you shall put on." (Matthew 6:25) The Savior then supports His admonition by the following reasons.
     (1) Life is more than food and the body than raiment. In other words, if God has endowed us with bodies and life, surely He will sustain us.
     (2) If Jehovah both feeds the birds and clothes the lilies, He will care for us as we are of greater value than they.
     (3) Anxiety is useless for it can not add to one's life. The truth is, medically speaking, worry can precipitate numerous illnesses which actually shorten life.
     (4) Anxiety is basically pagan, "for after all these things do the Gentiles seek." Gentiles here stands for heathenism. Materialism is the primary thrust of the pagan's life.
     (5) Worry over material things is a reversal of priorities; the kingdom of God must be the dominant factor of our lives; when such is the case, God will provide for our needs.
     (6) Deal with your problems one day at a time; "the morrow will be anxious for itself."

Surely, sober reflection upon these divine words would calm quaking hearts in troubling times. Let Christians refrain from panic talk and set an example before a fearful world. Cast your cares upon God; he cares for you. (First Peter 5:7)