To See Before

The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. —Psalm 103:19

Providence—it’s not a word you hear a lot in everyday conversation. In fact, a search of Google books shows that the use of the word in print has steadily declined since 1800. But it’s an incredibly important word and concept.

“Providence” comes from two Latin words: pro, which means “before,” and a second word, which means “to see”—think of “video.” In essence, then, “providence” means “to see before.”

God goes before us. He sees and knows everything before it happens. And He makes provision for whatever we will need at that point.

Stop and think about that for a moment. Imagine the peace, comfort, and hope that would be ours if we really believed that He knows and sees everything that lies before us—and that He has already provided whatever we will need when we get there! What freedom from fear, anxiety, and dread that should give us. That’s why I often say, “I love living under Providence!” What an amazing gift this is to us.