2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth… I. TO SEEK EVERYTHING WE NEED AT THE HANDS OF GOD. II. TO TRUST PROVIDENCE. 1. In the greatest extremities. 2. In the way of means. 3. In the way of precept. Let not any reliance upon an ordinary providence induce us into any way contrary to the command (Psalm 37:5). 4. Solely, without prescribing any methods to Him. III. TO SUBMIT TO PROVIDENCE: for — 1. Whatsoever God doth, He doth wisely. 2. God discovers His mind to us by providences (Luke 7:22; Acts 5:38, 39). IV. TO MURMUR NOT AT PROVIDENCE. V. TO STUDY PROVIDENCE. 1. Universally. (1) The darkest. (2) The terriblest. (3) The smallest. 2. Regularly. (1) By the Word: compare providence and the promise together. (2) By faith. We many times correct our sense by reason; why should we not correct reason by faith? 3. Entirely. (1) View them in their connection. The providences of God bear just proportion to one another, and are beautiful in their entire scheme. As in a piece of arras folded up, and afterwards particularly opened, we see the hand or foot of a man, the branch of a tree; or, if we look on the outside, we see nothing but knots and threads and uncouth shapes that we know not what to make of; but when it is fully opened, and we have the whole web before us, we see what histories and pleasing characters are interwoven in it. (2) View them in their end (Psalm 73:16, 17). 4. Calmly. 5. Seriously. 6. Holily; with a design to that duty Providence calls for (Isaiah 22:12). 7. Ascribe the glory of every providence to God. (S. Charnock, B. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars. |
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