Abandonment to Divine Providence
one
How did I get here?
There may be a time when we look at our life and say, “Wait, how did I get here, how did this happen? This is not the way I thought things would turn out! I want a rewrite.”
Maybe it’s your marriage or your religious life. It might be your kids or your health or your career. The point is that we often experience something we didn’t choose (at least we didn’t choose how it turned out), we don’t like and we cannot change or control. Now what? Well, there is incredible practical wisdom in a little masterpiece called Abandonment to Divine Providence by De Caussade. You should definitely read it. Since you probably haven’t read it, I’ll give you its key points.
First, the biggest obstacle to happiness and holiness is our plan, the blueprint of our life, the way we think things should have turned out or the way we think other people should be. I was in confession once saying things like, “I should have done this” and “That person should have done that” and “Things should have gone differently.” And the priest responded, “Well, it looks like you’ve created a pile of should, and you’re shoulding all over yourself.”
The way you thought things should have gone is not real. It’s an illusion that fills us with false hopes and expectations. And it results in resentments and unhappiness.
Because, in your estimation, it is impossible for this to turn out really well. However, nothing is impossible to God. If we give it unconditionally to Him he will make it the best because God works all things for good for those who love him.
So the first step is to stop shoulding all over yourself and surrender this to God. Can you do that now?
two
No Matter what happens I will be O.K.
God is our Father Almighty. He knows everything. He can do anything. He knows what is best for us and he wants what is best for us.
Nothing can happen to us that is beyond his knowledge and power. Nothing can happen unless God wills it or allows it. And God works all things for good for those who love him. So no matter what happens I will be O.K. Because God is my Father.
Yes, God allows bad things to happen because he gave us freedom which he respects. But he is also so powerful and so good that he can cause an even greater good to emerge from evil itself.
Jesus said: “Can you not buy two sparrows for a penny? And yet not one falls to the ground without your Father knowing. Why, every hair of your head has been counted. So there is no need to be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
So if you find yourself where you don’t want to be, remember that God is your Father and that you are his child.
Be willing to step into the situation and say “It doesn’t matter how this goes. Because with My Father I will be ok, I am safe!
three
The present moment is a gift from God
Since nothing can happen except what God wills or allows, then this present situation, this present moment is God’s will. It is His gift to us.
Of the infinite possible ways this moment could have been, God chose this one for us. Therefore, it must be the best.
Did you hear that? There are an infinite number of ways your life could be at this moment – but God your Father chose this one for you. If He chose it, then this is the best. Can you believe that?
Treasures of grace are hidden in this moment – even if it is repugnant to you.
God wants to give himself to you through the circumstances of this moment.
Sometimes He appears as a repulsive street urchin, but faith sees our God and King in disguise.
God chose this present moment for you. Will you accept it?
four
Happiness and Holiness is as easy as living the present moment.
Instead of wishing this moment, this place in your life was different, allow God to transform it by simply living the present moment well.
How do we live the present moment well?
a. Don’t live in the past, it’s gone.
b. You should think about the future and make a plan, but once you have one, then live in the present moment. Just do whatever responsibility or duty lies before you now. Don’t live in the future, it too is not real.
c. Accept with trust and love whatever joys and sufferings you experience now.
d. Avoid sin and the occasions of sin
e. Follow as best you can any inspiration you think comes from God.
f. And remember – God never takes anything from us without giving 100x more in return, in this present life and in heaven.
five
The Saints teach us how to abandon ourselves to Providence.
Joseph from the Old Testament is the best example. Joseph was kidnapped by his brothers, sold as a slave in Egypt, then falsely accused of rape and thrown in prison. I bet that wasn’t his plan for his life. But we are told: And there in jail he stayed - But God was with Joseph. (Genesis 39: 21) And Joseph grew in trust, in hope and in the love of God.
Then Pharaoh’s Cup-bearer and Baker were tossed in Prison with
Him. The Cup-bearer and the Baker both had dreams which
Joseph interprets – the Cup-bearer will be released
and the Baker, well, he will lose his head. To the Cup-Bearer
Joseph says: Remember me when all is well with you. However,
two more years pass (13 years since Joseph was sold into
slavery) And the Cup-bearer has forgotten Joseph.
Then Pharaoh has a dream: 7 fat and 7 skinny cows. Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dreams correctly and he is placed “over the household of Egypt,” second in Command only to Pharaoh. Joseph marries Asenath, the daughter of the Priest of On who, in some ways, was revered even more than Pharaoh.
Joseph sees that God guided all things, even the evil of his brothers, for his greatest good because he abandoned himself into the Hands of Divine Providence.
Once the seven years of plenty come to an end, famine strikes.
Joseph’s brothers come from Israel to Egypt to buy grain. Though
they do not recognize him, Joseph recognizes the brothers who
did him evil. He reveals himself to them and they fear Joseph will
take revenge. But Joseph answered them: “It was not you,” said
Joseph to his brothers, “who sent me here, but God…You meant
evil against me; but God meant it for good, to bring it about that
many people should be kept alive.”