John Newton counsels that believers need not experience disappointment by properly aligning their wills with God's sovereign providence. Drawing on Psalm 135:6 and Job 1:20-21, Newton argues that God governs all circumstances—even seemingly trivial matters—for purposes beyond human comprehension, often protecting His children from unseen dangers. True peace comes through submitting personal desires to God's appointments and maintaining realistic expectations of earthly life, recognizing that Scripture promises crosses and trials rather than worldly pleasure, so that when disappointments inevitably occur, the believing heart receives them as mercies rather than defeats.
What does the Bible say about God's providence?
The Bible states that the LORD does whatever pleases Him, governing all events according to His will.
Psalm 135:6, Job 1:20-21
How do we know God's sovereignty is true?
God's sovereignty is affirmed throughout the Bible as He orchestrates the affairs of the world according to His purpose.
Ephesians 1:11, Psalm 135:6, Job 1:20-21
Why is submitting to God's will important for Christians?
Submitting to God's will brings peace and prevents disappointment in the face of life's trials.
Psalm 135:6, Job 1:20-21
"The LORD does whatever pleases Him — in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths!" - Psalm 135:6
My Dear Betsy,
How vain are all things here below! "Vanity of vanities!" says the preacher. And you, and I, and your mamma, may say so likewise; for we all counted upon seeing you last Sunday. We listened at the door — and peeped out of the window — but no Betsy came! Now we will venture to expect you next Sunday.
Indeed, it is not amiss that you should now and then meet with a hindrance; that you may learn, if possible, not to count too much on what tomorrow may do for you — and that you may begin to feel the impossibility of being happy, any further than your will is brought into submission to the will of God. In order to learn this, you must have your own will frequently crossed. And things do and will turn out, almost daily in one way or other — contrary to our wishes and expectations.
When such disappointments happen, most people fret and fume! They are angry and impatient! But others, who are in the Lord's school, and desirous of being taught by Him — get benefit by these things, and sometimes find more pleasure in yielding to His appointments, though contrary to their own wills — than they would have done, if all had happened just as they had desired!
I wish for you my dear child, to think much of the Lord's governing providence. It extends to the minutest concerns. He rules and manages all things; but in so secret a way, that most people think that He does nothing; when, in reality — He does ALL!
He appointed the time of your coming into the world. And the day and hour of your coming home from school to us, totally depends upon Him likewise! Nor can you safely travel one step of the road, without His protection and care over you!
It may now seem a small matter to you and I, whether you came home last Sunday — or are to come home next Sunday. But we know not what different consequences may depend upon the day — we know not what hidden danger you might have escaped by staying at school last Sunday. The Lord knows all things! He foresees every possible consequence! Often what we call disappointments, are really mercies from Him to save us from harm!
If I could teach you a lesson, which, as yet, I have but poorly learned myself — I would teach you a way to be never be disappointed. This would be the case, if you could always form a right judgment of this world, and all things in it.
If you go to a bramble-bush to look for grapes, you must be disappointed; but then you are old enough to know that grapes never grow upon brambles. So, if you expect much pleasure here in this world, you will not find it. But you ought not to say that you are disappointed, because the Scripture plainly warned you beforehand, to look for crosses, trials and hindrances, every day. If you expect such things, you will not be disappointed when they happen!
"Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." (Job 1:20-21)
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