Divine Providence

Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence is the title of the book my parish priest gave to me two months ago. Siri has informed me that “Providence” is both the capital of Rhode Island and the manifestation of God's foresightful care for His creatures. Knowing this, I laughed this morning when I came across the same book with the unreasonably long title, lying open on the floor of my car, the spine crushed by a glass shelf. (Don't ask)

I laughed because the natural metaphor machine in my brain immediately struck with me with one of the most accurate spiritual comparisons it has conceived thus far: I treat this book about divine providence the same way I treat actual Divine Providence in my life. I've seemingly overlooked the secret to true happiness! Let me explain…

We are promised constantly in scripture and in the Sacraments that God is always watching over us, protecting us, and caring for us. We see this in Exodus 16, in which The Lord provides for His chosen people of Israel with bread and quail, even as they continued to disobey God's commandments and complain constantly.

Then in Jeremiah 29, a verse we are so familiar with,

“For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Brothers and sisters, there is a difference between following God's will for us and trusting it. I can walk blindfolded, with you leading me, and still not trust that you're actually taking me for ice cream. In reality, I know that I wholeheartedly listen to God's will for me with an open heart, but doubt and uncertainty still linger. My mouth speaks the word “yes,” but my heart has me wait at the door, until it knows it's safe outside.

To be welcomed into the wonderful mystery of our faith demands a sacrifice of comfort that defies all of our innate survival instincts. God calls men and women to work with lepers and the poor, to strip themselves of all worldly possessions and to give their lives to others. How can we be expected to trust a God who demands so much?

Well, it's not easy and it takes time. So this Lent, as we strive to make sacrifices of time and comfort, and we increase our dependency on God, we can also strive to trust that following God's will is the quickest and surest path to our own happiness and will give us the most fulfilling life here on Earth.

Can ya dig it?

I'd love to hear your thoughts on God's will and providence. 
Text me at 972-825-3477