Shorter Catechism Q. 11. What are God’s works of providence? A. God’s works of providence are his most holy, wise and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures, and all their actions.
Commentary: Providence is one of the ways in which God carries out his eternal plan (decree) for the universe, with creation being the other way (see WSC #8). The word “providence” is not found in the Bible, but it is used to capture two important biblical truths, namely that God preserves and governs the entire universe and everything in it.
God preserves the universe (Col. 1:17; Neh. 9:6). Our very existence, and that of the rest of creation, therefore, is completely dependent upon God. If he were to let go, then everything would fall apart and cease to be. In other words, the world doesn’t run by itself. God actively keeps it together by his sustaining power.
God also governs the universe. He doesn’t ignore what happens or watch from a distance. He is the great King who rules and governs his creation. Psalm 66:7: “He rules forever by his power, his eyes watch the nations.” Daniel 4:25: “the Most High rules in the kingdom of men.”
God governs the entire universe, including rational, moral human beings and all their free thoughts, words and actions. Proverbs 21:1 says that the king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord, and he turns it wherever he will. The king does what he wants, and yet God controls and governs everything that he does. God is sovereign, and we are responsible.
God’s work of preserving and governing is most holy, wise and powerful. No one governs like God, and he rules justly and righteously. Moreover, as the all-wise and almighty God, he governs effectively in the best way and to the best end.