God’s providence is usually thought of in terms of His general providence in which “He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the just and the unjust” (Matthew 5:45); thus, He gives “fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness” (Acts 14:17). In Psalm 66, the composer considers God’s providence—how He “keeps our soul among the living and does not allow our feet to be moved” (v. 9)—in a different, and often overlooked, context. He writes: “For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined. You brought us into the net; You laid affliction on our backs. You have caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; but You brought us out to rich fulfillment” (vv. 10-12).
“Oh, bless our God, you peoples! And, make the voice of His praise to be heard” (v. 8) is just as appropriate in times of difficulty and testing as it is in times of prosperity and blessing.
God is good, all the time; therefore, His providence is praiseworthy every day, even days of testing and trial.
