Divine Providence and Guidance

Where it surfaces

• Olney Hymns

  God's sovereign direction and care are celebrated, especially in times of trial and uncertainty.

• Another

  God acts as guide, providing for every need and protecting from snares and dangers.

• Jehovah-Jireh—The Lord Will Provide

  The chapter highlights God's provision in critical moments, as seen in the ram for Abraham, the diversion for David, and the fish for Jonah.

• 7: The Lord Will Provide

  The entire hymn centers on God's provision and guidance, from feeding the birds to leading believers through dangers.

• Jacob's Ladder

  God's promise to be with Jacob and never forsake him, and the assurance that believers have a guide and guard in all circumstances.

• Manna

  God's provision of manna illustrates His faithful care and guidance for His people.

• Gibeon

  God's command to Joshua and his intervention on behalf of Gibeon demonstrate his providential care.

• Gideon's Fleece

  The poem highlights God's sovereign control over the dew, symbolizing His providential distribution of grace and truth.

• 24: Samson's Lion

  The poem emphasizes that God uses the attacks of enemies and the trials of life to provide for and bless believers, turning losses into gains.

• The Milch Kine Drawing the Ark: Faith’s Surrender of All

  The kine are guided by God's providence, and the poem affirms that with Jesus as guide, the path is safe and God will provide.

• Queen of Sheba

  God's wisdom in Solomon and in Christ guides the seeker to truth and peace.

• Elijah Fed by Ravens

  The poem highlights God's providential care, using ravens to feed Elijah and assuring believers that God will provide for their needs.

• The Meal and Cruse of Oil

  God's secret and faithful provision for His people, as seen in the widow's oil and meal.

• The Borrowed Axe

  The poem emphasizes God's condescending care for the poor and unworthy, showing that He is attentive to even the smallest concerns of His people.

• The Believer’s Safety

  God's wisdom, faithfulness, and love are depicted as a buckler and refuge, guiding and protecting believers from enemies and storms.

• He Led Them by a Right Way

  The Lord leads His people by a right way, even when the path seems roundabout, demonstrating His wisdom and power.

• Wisdom

  Wisdom is portrayed as God's eternal companion in creation, working by 'weight and measure,' showing God's orderly and purposeful design.

• The Refuge, River, and Rock of the Church

  Christ's hands guide nature with unerring skill, and His love secures His saints all the way to the end.

• Jehovah-Shammah

  God's protective care over His elect is likened to a bird sheltering its young, emphasizing His providential guardianship.

• The Power and Triumph of Faith

  The chapter emphasizes God's active protection and deliverance of his faithful servants, taming lions and shielding them from fire, showing his sovereign care.

• On One Stone Shall Be Seven Eyes

  The stone is appointed by God, and the Father's approving eye and voice from heaven affirm the divine plan of salvation.

• They Shall Be Mine, Saith the Lord

  God records the deeds of the faithful and will bring them forth to view, showing His providential care.

• The Wheat and Tares

  The tares are spared for various ends, and even against their will, they fulfill God's counsels, showing God's sovereign control over all.

• The Disciples at Sea

  Christ's care for the disciples while on shore and His eventual calming of the sea illustrate His providential guidance and protection over believers.

• Paul's Voyage

  God's decree secures Paul and all aboard, and His promise guides believers through life's storms.

• Book II: On Occasional Subjects

  God's provision for Israel in the wilderness and His continued care for believers are highlighted, emphasizing His guidance and sustenance.

• Death and War. 1778

  War is said to march 'at the Lord's command,' and God is seen as directing events, providing refuge for the faithful, and being implored to teach the youth.

• Elijah's Prayer

  God's response to Elijah's prayer shows His active involvement in history, confirming His identity and guiding His people.

• The Rod of Moses

  The poem emphasizes that all power and success come from God alone, and that He guides and blesses the efforts of His servants.

• God Speaking from Mount Zion

  God's voice now speaks in love from Zion, guiding sinners home.

• A Prayer for Power on the Means of Grace

  The hymn emphasizes that all spiritual results depend on God's sovereign action, not on human effort or means.

• Elijah's Mantle

  The poem highlights God's continued guidance and power through the Spirit, as seen in Elisha's miracles and the prayer for a fresh outpouring.

• Harvest

  The poem emphasizes God's care in providing favorable conditions for growth and his role in the harvest.

• Ebenezer

  The hymn celebrates God's guidance and provision throughout the year, acknowledging His hand in every blessing and answer to prayer.

• Another

  The hymn celebrates God's providential care from infancy through the past year and trusts Him for the future.

• Another

  Expresses trust in God's nearness and care, acknowledging that he is not confined but inhabits the humble mind and guides his people.

• Supplies in the Wilderness

  God's faithful provision and guidance for His people in the wilderness, both for Israel and for believers today.

• Power of Prayer

  God's providential care is seen in answering prayer, delivering his people, and renewing life, as exemplified in the biblical accounts.

• The Light and Glory of the Word

  The hand that gave the word still supplies light and heat, guiding nations and individuals.

• Providences

  God's constant presence and care for believers in all circumstances is a central theme.

• On the Commencement of Hostilities in America

  The poem sees the war as part of God's providential plan, with the angel pouring out wrath as an act of divine judgment.

• Fast Day Hymns

  God's sovereign control over events, from earthquakes to fires, and His care for His people, is a central theme.

• Confession and Prayer. Dec. 13, 1776

  The hymn acknowledges God's providential care over the land and his righteous judgments.

• Moses and Amalek

  God is the true defender of Israel, and the poem calls for national reliance on His providence.

• 67: The Hiding-Place. Feb. 10, 1779

  God provides a hiding place and guides the faithful through the storm.

• On the Earthquake. Sept. 8, 1775

  The earthquake is seen as a providential warning from God, and the faithful are assured that nothing moves except by His will.

• On the Fire at Olney. Sept. 22, 1777

  The poem acknowledges that it is the Lord who enables sleep and keeps lives safe, and that the fire was a divine rebuke.

• At Parting

  The Lord is always nigh and ever near, guiding and keeping those who love Him.

• Funeral Hymns

  The hymns affirm that God continues to provide for His people even after the loss of leaders, and that He guides believers through life and death.

• On the Death of a Minister

  The poem emphasizes that God lifts the beggar to the throne and provides for His people even when human leaders are taken away.

• IV: Creation

  God's control over creation and creatures, guiding them for his purposes and caring for his servants.

• The Old and New Creation

  God's sovereign power is displayed both in the original creation and in the new creation of the soul, showing His ongoing providential work.

• The Book of Creation

  The chapter emphasizes that God's providence and love are revealed in nature, guiding the saints to true wisdom.

• The Rainbow

  God's supporting power is shown to be brightest in affliction, painting a rainbow on the storm.

• On the Eclipse of the Moon. July 30, 1776

  The punctual movement of eclipses is seen as a sign of God's will and faithfulness, and the speaker seeks instruction from the Lord.

• Sheep

  The Shepherd's care and provision for the sheep illustrate God's providential guidance and protection.

• The Creatures in the Lord’s Hands

  The poem emphasizes God's sovereign control over all creatures, directing them to serve His purposes.

• Prepare to Meet God

  The poem calls on the Lord to prepare believers by His grace, to cheer their spirits in the face of death, and to guide them to the end.

• III: Conflict

  God's mysterious but sovereign workings are highlighted, with the assurance that He interprets His own ways and leads His people through storms.

• Light Shining Out of Darkness

  The poem centers on God's mysterious and sovereign guidance, working through storms and clouds to bring about blessings.

• Good Effects by Weak Means

  God is portrayed as the one who makes the power known through the means, emphasizing His sovereign control and guidance in the affairs of His people.

• Joy and Peace in Believing

  The chapter highlights God's active care for His people, providing comfort, clothing, and sustenance, and guiding them through trials.

• 55: Freedom from Care

  Christ's promise to provide, bear burdens, and supply wants illustrates His providential care for the believer.

• For the Poor

  God's provision for Hagar and Elijah demonstrates His ongoing care for His people.

• Grace and Providence

  The hymn celebrates God's providence in supplying food, blessing, and all outward comforts, and in preserving from pain or healing after affliction.

• Chapter 90

  Asking for the Lord to inspire, teach, and furnish light and power to walk in wisdom's ways.

• After Sermon

  God is portrayed as a shield, refuge, and guide who upholds His people with everlasting arms and leads them safely through trials.

• Deuteronomy 33:26, 29

  God's protection and provision for Israel are highlighted, as He is their shield and reward.

• Deuteronomy 32:9–10

  God's special choice and tender care, leading and guiding His people through barren lands and protecting them from foes.

• Hebrews 13:20, 22

  The hymn asks God to teach, perfect, and preserve believers, showing reliance on divine guidance and care.

• Gloria Patri

  The Trinity's role in creation and ongoing sanctification highlights God's providential care.

• The Father We Adore

  The eternal song of praise acknowledges God's sovereign rule from creation to eternity.

• Hymn 105: To the Trinity

  The Spirit's role in regeneration and sanctification highlights God's ongoing work in believers.

• Chapter 107

  The eternal nature of God's glory and honor is acknowledged, affirming His sovereign rule.