The Mystery of Providence

John Flavel wrote a wonderful book, The Mystery of Providence, to show how God works all things for His own glory and the good of His people.  It was first published in 1678, and is probably the finest work on this subject.  In the next few days I’ll share with you what has made it one of my favorite books.  The subject itself is provocative, and yet so encouraging.  Flavel wrote: “It is a great support and solace to the saints in all their distresses, that there is a wise Spirit setting all the wheels of providence in motion.  He governs the most irregular creatures and their most destructive designs to a blessed and happy outcome.  It would not be worth living in a world devoid of God and providence.”  That last sentence is amazing!  It is worthy of a few hours of serious thought alone!  Read it again: “It would not be worth living in a world devoid of God and providence.”  A world that was not fashioned by an intelligent creator has no purpose.  There is no meaning to our lives in a universe ruled by blind chance.  We should be so thankful that God does govern His creation with a good purpose, and that He has revealed that purpose to us.  Flavel held that, “All the issues of providence are beneficial to the saints.  How cheering, supporting, and encouraging is the consideration of these things!  What life and hope it inspires in our hearts and prayers when great pressures lie upon us!”  More tomorrow, God willing. 

The Comfort of God’s Providence

“I have remembered Your judgments from of old, O Lord, and comfort myself” (Psalm 119:52).  David encouraged himself by remembering how God had worked in the lives of people, both the righteous and the unrighteous, in the past.  God’s providences in blessing His people and in condemning the wicked, all in conformity to the promises and warnings in His word, can give us great comfort and encouragement.  David concluded from God’s judgments, that though the wicked flourish now, they shall perish; and though the godly be afflicted now, they shall be rewarded.  Thinking on these things strengthens our faith, increases our love for God, and confirms our hope.  Those who behold such providences will see that godliness and holiness do bring advantage and benefit in this world.  They will have infallible evidence that the world is not governed by chance, but by an almighty, all-wise, and just God.

God’s providence—3

John Flavel wrote concerning God’s providence: “There is not such a pleasant history for you to read in all the world as the history of your own lives, if you would but sit down and record from the beginning hitherto what God has been to you; what signal manifestations and outbreakings of His mercy, faithfulness and love there have been in all the conditions you have passed through.  If your hearts do not melt before you have gone half through that history, they are hard indeed.”  Flavel realized the profound source of encouragement the knowledge of providence can be: “It is a great support and solace to the saints in all their distresses, that there is a wise Spirit setting all the wheels of providence in motion.  It would not be worth living in a world devoid of God and providence.”