A "Frowning" Providence

These are notes for an incomplete "Concept" page.

Information is being added as the Bible Pages are added. In the end, everything will be compiled, further information added (as necessary), broken links connected, etc.

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Cross-references Parent Topic a Related Topics b Links to Additional Materials c

This term, a "frowning" providence, is taken from a song written over two centuries ago, entitled, "God Moves in a Mysterious Way," by William Cowper. The song focuses on our need to trust God, even in the darkest times of life. The fourth stanza ends with: "Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face."

The complete song. God Moves in a Mysterious Way - William Cowper, 1774 God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform; He plants his footsteps in the sea, And rides upon the storm. Deep in unfathomable mines Of never-failing skill He treasures up his bright designs, And works his sovereign will. Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take; The clouds ye so much dread Are big with mercy, and shall break In blessings on your head. Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, But trust him for his grace; Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face. His purposes will ripen fast, Unfolding every hour; The bud may have a bitter taste, But sweet will be the flow'r. Blind unbelief is sure to err, And scan his work in vain. God is his own interpreter, And he will make it plain.

As a category, this includes the types of things that must occur in a world influenced by human sin (and its consequences). Examples would include: things that a person suffers through no direct fault of his own, the various types of calamities that are often called "acts of God," and the like. The full significance of these types of events can only be understood when viewed from the perspective of the final Day of Justice. Before that, it will be easy to misinterpret what happens, especially at the moment it is happening.

Scripture Pages that Link to Here

Psalm 104:1-35

In a world influenced by human sin, death must be a part of the life cycle. ... Yet even in this matter, the final outcome reflects God's goodness and blessings. When Jesus Christ returns and purifies the world at the Day of Justice, this cycle will cease.

Psalm 107:1-43

Psa 107:24-27 ... Yahweh's works, and his wonders in the deep. For he commands, and raises the stormy wind, which lifts up its waves. They mount up to the sky; they go down again to the depths. Their soul melts away because of trouble. They reel back and forth, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end.

After the sailors cried out to God for rescue, he calmed the sea, etc.

Unless otherwise noted, all notes and comments are © by Dennis Hinks.