Neglect of God's Providence: The Soul's Blindness to Divine Care

"They regard not the work of the Lord" (Isaiah 5:12). The prophet identifies a moral catastrophe: men and women who possess eyes yet refuse to see Yahweh's providentia (providence) ordering all things in heaven and earth. This neglect formed the character of the Jewish Church despite its appointed means of religious improvement, and it characterizes nominal Christians today.

Two corruptions of heart produce this blindness: covetousness and sensuality. The sensual reveller, as Sir E. Strachey observed, simply disregards God's constitution and government of society—his negligence is essentially atheistic.

Yet Yahweh's providence remains Divine, Universal, Tender, and Watchful. The doctrine permits human free agency; your Lord does not forget you amid the immensity of His works. An old spiritual writer observed that "sanctified afflictions are good promotions."

Practical instruction follows: Pray that God would "put away from you all hurtful things" and "give you those things which be profitable for you." Remember that the welfare of your soul concerns every action and undertaking of each day and hour. Your negligence is not Adonai's neglect. His redemptive work persists whether you acknowledge it or abandon it. The question Isaiah poses remains urgent: Will you regard the work of the Lord?