Divine providence is the governance of God by which He, with wisdom and love, cares for and directs all things in the universe — visible and invisible, great and small, present and future. The Westminster Shorter Catechism defines it: "God’s works of providence are, his most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures, and all their actions" (Q.11). It is the outworking of His sovereignty — He upholds (Hebrews 1:3), directs (Proverbs 16:9), and governs (Ephesians 1:11) all creatures and all events for His glory and the good of His people. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).
In theology, the care and superintendence which God exercises over His creatures.
In theology, the care and superintendence which God exercises over his creatures. A belief in divine providence is a source of great consolation to good men. The operations of providence are not always discernible, but the contemplative Christian is satisfied that they exist.
The term "providence" is often watered down to mean luck, fate, or coincidence.
The term "providence" is often watered down to mean luck, fate, or coincidence. The rich theological meaning of a personal, purposeful, and all-powerful God actively governing the details of creation is replaced by a vague, impersonal sense of fortune.