The Mystery and Majesty of Divine Providence: Trusting God in All Things

The providence of God is a doctrine that stands as a pillar of comfort and assurance for the believer. It is the truth that God orders, sustains, and governs all things for His own glory and the good of His people. William S. Plumer, in his work on providence, masterfully unpacks its depths, reminding us that what often seems obscure to us is, in reality, the perfect outworking of God’s eternal wisdom. In this article, we will explore the nature of God’s providence, the reasons for our trust in it, and how Scripture calls us to respond to this great truth.

The Scope of God’s Providence: Ruling Over All Things

The Scriptures leave no doubt that God’s providence extends over every detail of creation. The psalmist declares,

“The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.” (Psalm 103:19, ESV)

His dominion is not partial or limited but absolute and comprehensive. He governs the rise and fall of nations (Daniel 2:21), the course of human history (Acts 17:26), and even the minute details of our lives, such as the number of our days (Job 14:5) and the falling of a single sparrow (Matthew 10:29-30). This truth demolishes any notion of chance or fate—nothing happens outside of God’s sovereign decree.

Plumer wisely observes that God’s providence is universal, extending to both great and small events. Some may be tempted to think that God only concerns Himself with major world events, leaving lesser matters to unfold on their own. However, Scripture rebukes such a view. Proverbs 16:33 reminds us,

“The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.”

Even what appears to be random is under the governance of our sovereign King. If God oversees the casting of lots, how much more does He guide the greater affairs of our lives?

The Mystery of God’s Providence: When His Ways Seem Dark

Despite the certainty of God’s control, there are times when His providence appears perplexing, even troubling. The believer, like Job, may find himself bewildered by suffering, injustice, or trials that seem meaningless. Yet, Job’s story teaches us that even when God’s ways are hidden, they are never without purpose.

“But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.” (Job 23:10)

The refining process of suffering, though painful, is an instrument in the hand of the Divine Potter. Plumer rightly points out that God’s providence, while always just, is often obscure to human understanding. We see but a fragment of the great tapestry He is weaving. Paul affirms this truth in Romans 11:33:

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!”

What appears as darkness to us is but the shadow of His hand working behind the scenes. The believer must remember that God is never idle, even when His purposes are not immediately clear.

The Purpose of God’s Providence: Working All Things for Good

God does not act arbitrarily; His providence is purposeful. For the believer, the great assurance is found in Romans 8:28:

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Plumer argues that God’s providence is particularly directed toward the good of His people. This does not mean that all experiences will be pleasant, but that every event—whether joyful or sorrowful—is designed to conform us to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29).

Joseph’s life is a prime example of this truth. Sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned, Joseph endured years of hardship before seeing God’s plan unfold. Yet, when standing before his brothers, he could confidently declare,

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” (Genesis 50:20)

The believer must adopt this perspective, trusting that no suffering is wasted and no trial is without divine intent.

The Call to Trust: Resting in God’s Wise Governance

If God’s providence is absolute, mysterious, and purposeful, then our response should be one of humble trust. Proverbs 3:5-6 exhorts us,

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Plumer emphasizes that resting in God’s providence does not mean passivity but a settled confidence that He is leading rightly. Worry and anxiety are symptoms of a heart that doubts God’s rule, yet Christ commands us,

“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.” (Matthew 6:31-32)

A firm belief in providence dispels fear, for the same God who provides for the sparrows will care for His own.

The Providence of God and Human Responsibility

One common objection raised against the doctrine of providence is whether it negates human responsibility. If God is sovereign over all things, does that render our choices meaningless? Plumer, like Scripture, refutes this misconception.

God’s sovereignty and human responsibility are not at odds but work in harmony. Joseph’s brothers were accountable for their evil actions, yet God ordained their deeds to fulfill His purpose. The crucifixion of Christ illustrates this most profoundly. Peter declares,

“This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.” (Acts 2:23)

Both divine sovereignty and human agency are affirmed: men are responsible for their sins, yet God’s decree is never thwarted. We are called to act in faith, knowing that our efforts are upheld by His providential hand.

The Worship of the God of Providence

Ultimately, the doctrine of providence should lead us to worship. Knowing that our lives are not ruled by chance but by a wise and loving Father should move us to praise. David exclaims,

“I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations. For your steadfast love is great to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.” (Psalm 57:9-10)

Trust in providence is not mere resignation; it is a joyful acknowledgment that God is good, wise, and faithful. When trials come, when uncertainties arise, when the future is unclear—our response must be to lift our eyes in worship, declaring with the psalmist,

“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

Conclusion: Resting in the God Who Governs All

William S. Plumer’s exposition of divine providence is a much-needed reminder that God is ever at work, ruling all things with perfect wisdom. The believer is called not to fear but to trust, not to doubt but to worship. We may not always see His purposes clearly, but we can be certain that He is working all things together for good. Let us, therefore, rest in the God who upholds the universe by the word of His power (Hebrews 1:3), knowing that His providence is not only absolute but also tender, wise, and good.