In recent years, a trend has emerged to refer to instances of God’s providence as “God winks.” This term, popularized by author Squire Rushnell in his book series, suggests that these are moments when God subtly reveals His presence and involvement in our lives, often through coincidental or chance events. While the term “God winks” may offer a charming and relatable way to acknowledge God’s intervention, it risks oversimplifying the sovereignty of God over all life’s events.  A proper understanding of divine sovereignty brings peace and a sense of God’s presence to our daily walk as Christians vs looking for chance signs and wonders that can be deceiving and misleading.

Providence refers to God’s continuous involvement with all created things. It includes His preservation, guidance, and governance of the entire universe. The Westminster Shorter Catechism states, “God’s works of providence are His most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all His creatures and all their actions.” Nothing happens by chance, every event is part of God’s sovereign plan, both good and bad.

The Bible is full of  references to God’s providence. In the Old Testament, we see God’s hand at work in the lives of individuals and nations.  Joseph, reflecting on his tumultuous journey from slavery to becoming a ruler in Egypt, declares to his brothers, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today” (Genesis 50:20, ESV). This beloved story demonstrates the biblical truth hat God orchestrates events for His purposes, even when human intentions are malicious. Or as John Piper so aptly put, “God makes sin his slave.”

In the New Testament, Jesus teaches about God’s providential care in the Sermon on the Mount. He reassures His listeners of God’s meticulous attention to their needs, saying, “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:26, ESV). Here, Jesus emphasizes that God’s providence extends to every aspect of creation, including the daily sustenance of birds and the intricate needs of humans.

In contrast, the term “God winks” suggests that God’s involvement is sporadic, appearing only in moments of extraordinary coincidence or unexpected blessing. While it’s important to recognize and celebrate miraculous moments in our lives, limiting God’s providence to such instances can lead to a fragmented understanding of His sovereignty. This perspective risks reducing God to a distant observer who occasionally intervenes, rather than the omnipresent and omnipotent ruler of the universe.

Also, the concept of “God winks” can inadvertently imply that other events, particularly those that are challenging or painful, fall outside of God’s providential care. This contradiction undermines the biblical teaching that God is sovereign over both prosperity and adversity. As Isaiah 45:7 (ESV) declares:

“I form light and create darkness; I make well-being and create calamity; I am the LORD, who does all these things.”

This verse reminds us that God’s providence encompasses all aspects of life, both the pleasant and the difficult.

To fully appreciate God’s providence, we as Christians must cultivate an awareness of His sovereignty in all circumstances. This means recognizing that every event, whether seemingly trivial or significant, falls under God’s purposeful design. This acknowledgement and understanding profoundly impacts our daily lives, providing comfort and assurance amid life’s uncertainties. It allows us to daily walk in the light of His presence and to acknowledge Him, his power and goodness and our obligation to both love and serve him in every action and response.

A sound understanding of God’s providence impacts us first by calling us to trust in God’s purposes and plans. It encourages us to trust in Him, even when circumstances are beyond our comprehension. Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) exhorts:

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.“

Trusting in God’s sovereignty means believing that He is working all things for the good of those who love Him, as stated in Romans 8:28 (ESV):

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.”

A firm grasp of God’s providence provides peace in the midst of our adversity. When we understand that God is in control, we can face trials with confidence and hope. The apostle Paul, despite facing numerous hardships, could write, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, ESV). This peace comes from knowing that God is sovereign and that He cares for His children.

It is critical for us to recognize and understand that God’s providence is not limited to grand or miraculous events; it saturates the ordinary and mundane aspects of life. Acts 17:28 (ESV) affirms, “In Him we live and move and have our being.” This verse highlights that every moment and action is sustained by God’s power. By recognizing God’s presence in our daily routines, we can cultivate a sense of gratitude and worship in all we do. Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV) encourages:

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

A deep understanding of God’s providence should lead us to a life of constant prayer. Since God is involved in every detail of our lives, we are invited to bring all our concerns, joys, and needs before Him. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV) instructs, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Prayer becomes a means of aligning our hearts with God’s will, seeking His guidance, and acknowledging His sovereignty over all aspects of our lives.

The trend of calling God’s providence “God winks” reflects a desire to recognize and celebrate His involvement in our lives which is good. BUT, it is crucial to move beyond this limited and shallow perspective and embrace a deeper more fulfilling , comforting comprehensive understanding of God’s providence. By acknowledging that all circumstances fall under His sovereign care, we experience a peace that surpasses understanding and a continual awareness of His presence in every ordinary moment and circumstance. Then we too can echo the words of Psalms 103:19 which declares:  

“The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all” (Psalm

Let us strive in every moment and circumstance, to rest in the assurance that our lives are held securely in the hands of a loving and sovereign God who continually smiles down on us at all times.