Peter writes, “... humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God ... casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” [1 Pe. 5:6a, 7]  Peter is not just saying that God has caring, compassionate and concerned feelings toward you ... but that as our heavenly Father, He cares in a way that compels Him to be active in providing for your needs.  See Matt. 6:25-33; Ro. 8:32; Phil. 4:13, 19; Isa. 41:10; Ps. 37:23-24, 50:15, 55:22.

We look forward and see or anticipate needs, troubles or difficulties in our lives ... and we become anxious because of them.  God “looks forward” and provides for those various needs.  That is what is often referred to as God’s providence.  He sees our needs before we do and provides for them in His perfect timing.

One evening a young man was walking in the fog in his beloved land of Scotland. He was struggling with God and searching for answers. He heard a voice calling to him. He believed it was God. He stopped and fell to his knees in prayer. When he stood to his feet, he realized that one more step and he would have fallen off a steep cliff to his death. This young man later went on to pastor the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C. Eventually, he was called to be the chaplain of the U.S. Senate. His name – Dr. Peter Marshall. [From: Battlefields & Blessings: Stories of Faith and Courage from the Civil War, by Terry Tuley, p. 69]

God’s care is not often this dramatic, but it is very real.  His care is usually woven into the fabric of every day circumstances or “coincidences.”  And as we look for His hand in our lives we will become more aware of His faithful care ... and that will cultivate thankfulness.  Look for His providential care in your life today and give Him thanks.

Pastor Jim