The doctrine of providence teaches that God actively governs all things at all times, from the grandest cosmic events to the fall of a sparrow (Matthew 10:29) and the numbering of the hairs on your head (Matthew 10:30). Providence has two aspects: preservation (God sustains everything in being, "upholding all things by the word of His power" — Hebrews 1:3) and government (God directs everything to its appointed end). The Westminster Confession states it memorably: "God, the great Creator of all things, doth uphold, direct, dispose, and govern all creatures, actions, and things, from the greatest even to the least, by His most wise and holy providence." This means nothing is random, nothing is outside His control, and nothing can thwart His purposes. The doctrine has enormous practical weight: when tragedy strikes, the believer's first response is not "Why?" but "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name." The doctrine of providence does not answer every question, but it anchors the soul. Joseph's words to his brothers capture it perfectly: "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (Genesis 50:20). Providence does not sanitize evil; it overrules it for the good of those who love God and the glory of the One who rules.