Confidence for a New Year

Would you like a foundation not only for the new year, but for the rest of your life? Come to the doctrine of divine providence.

God continually upholds His entire creation and sovereignly works in absolutely everything that happens, and thus directs all creatures and events to accomplish His purposes.

That truth has changed my life. It will change yours as well. It’s the basis upon which you as a Christian can approach the new year with confidence.

1. God’s Providence Is Broad

The Bible teaches that God’s providence is as broad as you can possibly imagine. It covers everything in the universe.

[He] works all things after the counsel of His will (Ephesians 1:11).

God works all things after the counsel of His own will. Stated differently, God has complete control over everything that happens and directs it all to accomplish His purposes.

The stars stay in orbit because God holds them there. Your arms stay attached because God keeps them in place. Your chair holds you up because God makes it to do so.

Where you may overlook God’s providence is in the details of your life. You regret the past. You worry about the future. That is the spiritual ground we want to conquer today.

2. God’s Providence Is Personal

From the formation of your bones in your mother’s womb to the length of your days here on earth, God planned it all and is personally involved in the outworking of every detail.

You wove me in my mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13).

The very hairs of your head are all numbered (Matthew 10:30).

The course of your life is not determined by chance, fate, or even your own strengths and weaknesses. God is actively ruling through everything that happens.

Even Christ’s death for Christians was personal by name.

The Son of God loved me and gave Himself up for me (Galatians 2:20).

Lay your fears aside. God is directing everything that happens now and in the future to accomplish good for us.

The year that lies ahead lies safely in His hands.