The Advantage of God's Providence

Heidelberg Catechism (1563)

Q. 28: What advantage is it to us to know that God has created, and by His providence doth still uphold all things?

A.:   That we may be

patient in adversity,

thankful in prosperity;

and that in all things, which may hereafter befall us,

we place our firm trust in our faithful God and Father,

            that nothing shall separate us from His love;

 since all creatures are so in His hand,

that without His will they cannot so much as move.

[emphasis added]

I am currently working on a paper researching seven prominent Reformed symbols of faith* in order to extract their distinct contributions to the development of a Christian world and life view.  This evening I am addressing the Reformed view of the providence of God and I came to this Q&A in the Heidelberg Catechism.  This is beautifully put, and it ministered to my heart.

*I'm using Joel Beeke and Sinclair Ferguson's Reformed Confessions Harmonized (Baker, 1999) which is very useful.    

The Advantage of God's Providence