Divine Providence

In theology, Divine Providence, or simply Providence, is the sovereignty, superintendence, or agency of God over events in people's lives and throughout history.

Etymology

The word comes from Latin providentia "foresight, prudence", from pro- "ahead" + videre "to see". The current meaning of the word (Divine Providence) derives from the sense "knowledge of the future" or omniscience, which is the privilege of God. The initial meaning of providere remains in 'to provide' = "to take precautionary measures".

Divine providence is the means by and through which God governs all things in the universe. The doctrine of divine providence asserts that God is in complete control of all things. This includes the universe as a whole , the physical world , the affairs of nations , human birth and destiny , human successes and failures, and the protection of His people .

God governs the affairs of men and works through the natural order of things. The laws of nature are nothing more than a depiction of God at work in the universe. The laws of nature are the rules and principles that God set in place to govern how things work.

There are many interpretations of Divine Providence and some are more elaborated on than others. For instance Dr. King explains Divine Providence:

Lutheran Theology : According to Martin Luther, Divine Providence began when God created the world with everything needed for human life, including both physical things and natural laws. ^[4]. In Luther's Small Catechism, the explanation of the first article of the Apostle's Creed declares that everything people have that is good is given and preserved by God, either directly or through other people or things ^[5]. Of the services others provide us through family, government, and work, he writes, "we receive these blessings not from them, but, through them, from God."^[6] Since God uses every one's useful tasks for good, people should look not down upon some useful vocations as being less worthy than others. Instead people should honor others, no matter how lowly, as being the means God uses to work in the world.

However, I truly believe that we each hold our truth in regard to God's will and our gift of free will. In my heart I know that there is a Divine Hand guiding the universe and that force is of the purest love one can fathom. When we stray from love we are missing the point of life here on planet earth.

May your day be filled with Divine Love~
Desiree