The concept of divine providence is central to understanding how God interacts with His creation, guiding and sustaining all things according to His sovereign will. For the saints, or believers, this providence is a source of immense comfort and encouragement. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that illustrate how believers can and should encourage themselves in the Lord, trusting in His providential care.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible is replete with instances where God's providence is evident, and His people are encouraged to find strength and solace in His sovereign care. One of the most poignant examples is found in the life of David. In 1 Samuel 30:6 , during a time of great distress when his own men spoke of stoning him, "David found strength in the LORD his God." This passage highlights the importance of turning to God for encouragement and strength, recognizing His control over all circumstances.

Trust in God's Sovereignty

The providence of God assures believers that nothing happens outside of His will. Romans 8:28 affirms this truth: "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." This verse encourages believers to trust that God is orchestrating every detail of their lives for their ultimate good and His glory. Such trust is a profound source of encouragement, especially in times of trial and uncertainty.

Encouragement through Scripture

The Word of God is a primary means by which saints can encourage themselves. Psalm 119:105 declares, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." The Scriptures provide guidance, wisdom, and reassurance of God's promises. By meditating on God's Word, believers can remind themselves of His faithfulness and steadfast love, which are central to His providential care.

Prayer and Communion with God

Prayer is another vital means of encouragement for the saints. Philippians 4:6-7 instructs believers, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Through prayer, believers can cast their anxieties on God, trusting in His providence to provide peace and assurance.

Community and Fellowship

While personal encouragement is essential, the community of believers also plays a crucial role. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Fellowship with other believers provides mutual encouragement and a reminder of God's providential work in the lives of His people.

Examples of Encouragement in Scripture

Throughout the Bible, there are numerous examples of individuals who encouraged themselves in the Lord. The Apostle Paul, despite facing numerous hardships, found encouragement in God's providence. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 , he writes, "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me." Paul's reliance on God's grace and strength is a testament to the encouragement found in divine providence.

Conclusion

The providence of God is a profound source of encouragement for the saints. By trusting in His sovereignty, immersing themselves in Scripture, engaging in prayer, and participating in the community of believers, Christians can find the strength and encouragement needed to navigate the challenges of life. The examples and teachings found in the Bible serve as a constant reminder of God's faithful and providential care.1 Samuel 30:6
And David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Providence of God
... but grievous; but the Lord turns it to the good of his saints. ... nothing comes to pass
but what is ordained by God's decree, and ordered by his providence. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/14 the providence of god.htm

Letter xv. --Trials to be Endured Peacefully.
Abandonment to Divine Providence. ... spiritual joy, quiet, tranquil and peaceful, because
it will be like that of the saints, in God and coming only from God. ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/letter xv trials to be endured.htm

Putting God to Work
... the business of salvation under Christ, is made up of the prayers of God's saints
on earth ... But God follows him, and by a strange providence this disobedient ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/ii putting god to work.htm

The Spirit of Prayer.
... the times, so as to understand, by providence, what to ... and look at heaven, and see
the saints there, in ... it possible, that I should prevail with God to elevate ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture vi the spirit of.htm

The Necessity and Benefits of Religious Society
... owing to the free grace and good providence of God ... a lasting and pious communion
of the saints on earth ... wickedness; and shall not the children of God unite, and ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the necessity and benefits of.htm

Of the Second Sort of Unions: to Wit, Passive. ...
... a splendour seen in the eyes and countenances of God's Saints, betokening an ... ecstasy
are no doubt ordered by an especial and supernatural providence of God. ...
/.../chapter iii of the second.htm

Surely Goodness and Mercy Shall Follow Me all the Days of My Life ...
... they accept all as coming from God by special ... They discover the workings of Providence
everywhere, in things that ... we must not conclude that the Saints and holy ...
/.../callan/the shepherd of my soul/xi surely goodness and mercy.htm

Preached Before the Governor, and Council, and the House of ...
... a purity of intention, and what various interpositions of Providence, the work ... their
studies, not only to be great scholars, but good saints. Blessed be God! ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/preached before the governor and.htm

The Pilgrim Fathers.
... went forward, without shrinking, in the path of providence. ... not, as in former ages,
keep God's word from the ... which was once delivered to the saints." Thus were ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /16 the pilgrim fathers.htm

Acts xxviii. 17-20
... (a) Mark the order of God's Providence, [1182] "I ... I am going to Jerusalem to minister
to the saints" (ib.25 ... they would have done this, so that I should not be ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily lv acts xxviii 17-20.htm

What is divine providence? | GotQuestions.org

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Providence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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