Reason can know something of creation. But there are things about creation which are revealed and that we can only know by faith. “By faith we understand that the universe was ordered by the word of God, so that what is visible came into being through the invisible (Heb 3:11).”

A reassuring fact that has been revealed about creation is that God is actively involved in it, guiding it with wisdom and love.

All creatures have dispositions by which God guides them to their ultimate end: eternal life. Human virtues and law are among those dispositions. God also acts through secondary causes, especially the actions of creatures that cooperate with him. The relationship between providence, creatures, dispositions, and actions can be expressed mathematically (and inelegantly):

Providence = Creatures’ x (Dispositions + Actions)

The invitation to the main prayer recited during the Baptismal Liturgy gives an example of divine providence. The celebrant proclaims, “God has called them and brought them to this moment.” The recipient’s steps towards Baptism have been ordered by God.

Jesus was referring to providence when he told us, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat [or drink], or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?  (Mt 6:25).” That verse is from a biblical passage that is usually given the title “Do Not Be Anxious. (Mt 6:25-34)” In it, Christ teaches us that we should trust that we are on the path to happiness with God, even when the path is darkened by suffering and evil. I have found that to be a hard teaching.