Giving Thanks for Providence

Autumn here in Italy is a special time of year, one of my favorites! In small towns, like ours, the scent of wood smoke floats in the crisp, clean air. Grapes ferment into fine wines. And olives, pressed into green gold, glisten in their bottles.

But as an American, my thoughts turn to Thanksgiving. Although with our kids grown and moved and Hubby at work, we no longer ‘celebrate’ the holiday. I still consider it the greatest “American” holiday!

We have so much to be grateful for. For all that has happened and all that the Lord has done. And for all that might have happened but never did. Day by day and year by year, we’ve seen his provision and care – and his Providence.

God’s Providence

We’ve seen his Providence in the good times and the bad.

In the film Anne of Green Gables,  Matthew Cuthbert said it was a lucky mistake that the orphanage sent them Anne. And not the boy they wanted. But his sister Marilla responded, “It wasn’t luck. It was Providence. He knew we needed her.”

Curious, as I’d never thought of it before, I looked it up. “What,” I wondered, “is the difference between provision and Providence?” And I learned that this seldom used word makes all the difference in the world.

Provision is having your basic needs met, and it’s a wonderful thing. But Providence reaches so much deeper. Provision can come from any source. And with diligent work and prudence, we can even become the source of our own provision.

Only God supplies providence

But Providence is a supply that can only come from the hand of God.

It indicates God’s special care and guidance. And his foresight in directing the affairs of the universe or his benevolent care of us.

It’s God doing what only he can do. Providing what only he can provide. Preventing what only he can prevent. And like with the Cuthberts, sending not what we want, but what he knows we need.

Chills run down my spine thinking about that scene. “He knew we needed her.” I’ve experienced many such moments in my life, and I’m sure you have too. Times when we’ve clearly seen the hand of God at work. Knowing what only he could know, doing what only he could do.

Discerning providence

But how can we discern Providence even in troubled times?

The world faces troubled times of war and death, sickness and poverty. With evil coming out more strongly every day. How can we see God at work in a world gone so wrong? And learn to give thanks in such times?

King David knew such fear and trouble. Scholars believe that he penned many of his Psalms while in exile, driven out and abandoned. Including the well-known Psalms 23 and 27.

His own son had seized the throne. Enemies chased and threatened on every side. Yet even those Psalms overflow with thanksgiving, gratitude, and trust.

For David knew God’s Providence. He had seen the Lord protect him and keep him safe, even in impossible circumstances. And he had learned that the Lord is a safe shelter DURING the storm, a strong fortress THROUGH times of distress. A hiding place IN a world gone wrong. He knew that even if all others abandoned him, the Lord wouldn’t. So he sang songs of praise and declared that he always would.

Don’t forget to thank the Lord for his Providence. That special provision, care, and guidance that can only come from God’s hand.

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So will you give thanks this year for God’s magnificent gift of Providence – past, present, and future?

Remember: He always knows exactly what we need!

We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28 CSB

Images: Pumpkins by Pamjpat | Man praying by Matheus Bertelli | Gift by Alizee Marchand.