“Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?”
(Psalm 77:13)
The varied and providential ways of God are often difficult to understand. One such example is how it often seems that God favors the wicked who prosper, and that He is against the righteous who suffer. So if we judge God’s love or anger only by life events and outward circumstances, we arrive at the wrong conclusions.
But the Psalmist learned that the way to understand God’s dealings is not by providence alone, but by the Word of God. In the sanctuary where God’s Word is read, taught, and preached, God’s providence is better understood. There we learn that prosperity is not always an indication of God’s love, and suffering is not always a sign of God’s anger.
The Word of God clearly tells us who the objects of His mercy are, as well as those of His wrath. Those who love and obey the Word of God are loved by Him, even if they suffer. And those who reject God’s Word are under His wrath, even if they prosper.
Therefore, the believer must judge his or her situation not by what they see in the world, but by what Scripture says as well as what is discerned from conscience. The Word of God is the judge, and conscience, when informed by the Word, bears witness. If the heart does not condemn, there is confidence toward God; but if the heart condemns, then the soul must flee to God for mercy and cleansing.[1]
When the believer understands God’s ways through His Word, he begins to see God’s wisdom, holiness, justice, power, and goodness in ways he did not see before. What once seemed confusing becomes a reason for praise. What once seemed like abandonment is realized as fatherly discipline. What once seemed like delay is noted to be wisdom. And he then can say, “Who is so great a God as our God?”
The sanctuary is the place where God’s works and God’s Word are brought together, and there the believer learns to interpret life correctly. There the believer sees that God works wisely, powerfully, and graciously for His people, even when they are in great difficulty.
God’s people possess something much greater than prosperity—we have the Word of God, the covenant of God, the promises of God, and God Himself as our God, which is the greatest blessing anyone can receive. This reality results in thanksgiving, even when providence is dark, because the Word of God reveals the truth: that God is wise, God is good, and God is faithful to His people.
Contemplations:
- Thankful That God’s Word Explains God’s Ways. Lord, I’m thankful that when I do not understand Your providence, I am not left without light. You have given me Your Word to teach me how to understand Your ways. When life is confusing, Your Word is clear. When my thoughts are troubled, Your truth stands firm.
- Thankful That Providence Does Not Determine Your Love. Thank You that Your love for me is not measured by prosperity or comfort, but by Your covenant and Your promises. Even when life is hard, Your Word tells me that You love Your people and work all things for their good.
- Thankful That You Are Wise and Powerful. Lord, I thank You that You are wise in all Your ways, powerful in all Your works, and good in all Your dealings with Your people. Even when I do not understand what You are doing, You are a God who does wonders.
- Thankful That You Are My God. Father, thank You that the greatest blessing is not what You give, but that You have given Yourself to Your people. You are our God, and we are Your people. There is no greater blessing than this.
Prayer (Thanksgiving)
Gracious and glorious God, thank you for giving Your Word to teach me how to understand Your works. I confess that I often do not understand Your providence. When I look at the world and see the wicked prosper and the righteous suffer, I am tempted to be confused and discouraged. But Your Word teaches me the truth and shows me Your ways.
Thank You that Your love for Your people is not measured by outward prosperity, but by Your covenant and Your promises. And that even when life is difficult, You are still wise, still good, and still faithful. Thank You for working all things for the good of those who love You and are called according to Your purpose.
I am grateful that You are a God who does wonders. You delivered Israel from Egypt, You preserved Your people through many trials, and You have saved sinners through Jesus Christ. You have shown Your power, Your wisdom, and Your mercy throughout all generations.
Lord, thank You for giving Your Word, Your promises, Your covenant, and Your Son. I thank You that I am not left to judge my condition by the changing circumstances of life, but by the unchanging truth of Your Word.
Above all, thank You that You are my God. There is no greater blessing than to belong to You. You are my refuge, my strength, my hope, and my salvation. Let my heart always give thanks to You, not only when life is easy, but in all circumstances, because You are always good, always wise, and always faithful.
Let me learn to trust You, to praise You, and to give thanks to You at all times. Teach me to see Your hand in all things and to glorify You in all things.
In Jesus’ name I pray.
Further Scripture References Psalm 77:13:
Exodus 15:11; Psalm 63:2; Psalm 71:19; Isaiah 12:6
[1] Joseph Alleine, Remains of That Excellent Minister of Jesus Christ, Mr. Joseph Alleinem (London: Printed for Peter Parker .., 1674), 90–91.
