The term “providence” is derived from the word “to provide” and carries with it the implication of “forethought and foresight” into the needs of another. Forethought and foresight imply a future end, a goal and a definite purpose and plan for attaining that end. The word "providence" has come to be used to signify that preparation, care, and supervision which are necessary to secure a desired future result. While miraculous acts of God can be described as providential, the concept of providence is generally used to describe His care through natural means.

Although the Bible never uses the word “providence” for God’s providential care of man, the concept of providence is indelibly marked on the pages of the Bible. Story after story is told of God’s providential care for His people. The book of Esther illustrates this as Esther was providentially and sovereignly places in a position where she could save her people from total destruction. The Westminster Confession of Faith states that “God, the great Creator of all things, doth uphold, direct dispose, and govern all creatures, actions, and things, from the greatest even to the least, by his most wise and holy providence, according to his infallible foreknowledge, and the free and immutable counsel of his own will, to the praise of the glory of his wisdom, power, justice, goodness, and mercy.” Theologically then, providence may be defined as “a manifestation of the care and superintendence which God exercises over his creatures; an event ordained by divine direction.”

Every person in counseling needs to know the providential care of a loving heavenly Father. This instills hope and faith in the believer. Many counselees come to the counseling session after sin has worked its defeating and disheartening effects in their lives. Often this attitude deteriorates into the sin of despair, and can lead further to habitual sin. The counselor must learn to confront and overcome these complicating problems. The counselor must be able to love the counselee, show genuine care and concern for him, and bring hope to a seemingly hopeless situation. This can only be done through sound biblical wisdom that emphasizes the promises and character of a providential and loving God.

A primary goal, therefore, in biblical counseling is sharing the “blessed hope,” Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13). While psychology directs hopeless people to their past, biblical counseling points them to present and future victory in Jesus Christ. It teaches believers how to follow in the steps of Jesus, while keeping their eyes focused on the providence and care of the Almighty. The central truth, the primary focus, the firm and constant foundation, the reality of hope and the power of change are all found in this essential truth of providential care.