Lord’s Day 10
Q28. How does knowing about God's creation and providence help us?
We can be patient when things go wrong, thankful when things go well, and for the future we can trust that nothing will separate us from God our faithful Father's love. Everything is so completely in his hands that without his will nothing can move at all.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Job 1:21–22
“And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.”
Romans 5:3–5
“And not only , but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
James 1:3
“Knowing , that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”
Deuteronomy 8:10
“When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
Psalm 55:22
“Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”
Romans 8:38–39
“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Job 1:12
“And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.”
Job 2:6
“And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he in thine hand; but save his life.”
Proverbs 21:1
“The king's heart in the hand of the LORD, the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.”
Acts 17:24–28
“God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What three things does the catechism say we can be because of God's providence?
- 2
Why is it easier to be patient in hard times when you know God is in control?
- 3
What is one thing that happened recently that you can be thankful to God for?
Illustration
When you ride in the car with a parent driving, you are not worried about getting lost because you trust the driver. Even if the road gets bumpy or the trip takes longer than expected, you feel safe because someone you trust is behind the wheel. God's providence means he is always at the wheel, and nothing can separate you from his love.
Application
This week, practice the three responses the catechism teaches. When something hard happens, be patient. When something good happens, be thankful. When you think about the future, trust God. Ask him to help you do all three.