The concept of God as the God of Providence has been nothing less than transformational for me in my relationship with Him. It is impossible to relate well with God when I am afraid of what He will do. The scripture makes it very clear in numerous places that we are to "fear God" (Gen 42:18; Psa 67:7; Prov 2:5). Yet this fear is rooted in the awesome power of His being, not in His intentions towards us. When we fear God rightly we understand and accept that He is our Creator and He sustains my existence by His will. The inappropriate fear of God is a lack of trust in His benevolence; a certainty that He is vindictive in His actions. This kind of fear will drive you far from God, give root to resentment toward God, and eventually turn into hatred toward Him. This kind of fear I must uproot and throw myself headlong into the loving arms of my Father in Heaven who CARES!
But How? The how questions are the ones that bother me the most. If I have related to God as the God of Punishment; how do I stop? And how do I change and begin relating to Him as the loving God of Providence? I am going to very humbly suggest a couple of things that may aid you in this process.
1. Confession: If I am ever going to change my perception of God, I must be honest enough to admit that I have believed a lie. Furthermore, this lie has kept me from freely receiving love from God and this has pained His heart. I confess my lack of trust in His good intentions for me.
2. Truth: I need to saturate my heart and mind with the truth of God's Word and allow my expectation to be transformed as I read of His goodness and grace.
3. Gratitude: Josephs brothers were blaming God for bad fortune WHILE God was rescuing them from a devastating famine!!! I need to stop focusing on the bad and start thanking God for the good things He has given me and done for me. I need a healthy outlook and a heart that is overflowing with thankfulness.
That's a start. I think the only thing left that you will need in order to fully change your perception of God is a miracle. But don't worry, that's God's part and He is good at it, in fact it's easy for Him.
As for me, I have developed a new love for waiting and watching to see what God will do, even in the midst of what seems like terrible circumstances. I know that He is always up to something amazing, and when He gives me a peak at His plan, I sure don't want to miss it.
Pastor Aaron Weisser
