The Providence and Power of God

Psalm 113:7-9

Scripture Reference

Psalm 113:7-9 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people. He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the Lord.

Introduction

This sermon, preached by Dr. Dean Miller Sr., is titled “The Providence and Power of God.” It draws from Psalm 113 to show how God providentially works in lives—even when we are in our worst state—and how His power through prayer and the Holy Spirit brings salvation, restoration, and purpose. The message is aimed at ordinary church members and especially young adults who are figuring out the direction of their lives. It does not shy away from hard truths about sin, addiction, and brokenness, but it holds up the gospel as the transforming answer.

Outline

1. Providence: God Provides in the Pit
   1. Definition and Promise
      

      Providence means God’s wise and sovereign care over people and events. Psalm 113:7 pictures God lifting the poor from the dust and the needy from the dunghill. That image reminds us God is not indifferent to our lowest places.

      
      
   2. Evidence in a Life
      

      Dr. Miller recounts his own early life—addiction, pornography, dysfunction, and the literal dunghill of his experience. The point is not spectacle but testimony: God notices, God plans, and God provides a way out even when we are blind to hope.

      
      
   3. Divine Timing and Hidden Work
      

      Providence often operates behind the scenes—prayers offered by others, a tract left on a counter, a pastor who will not give up. God arranges small means to accomplish great ends.

      
      
2. Power: Prayer and the Holy Spirit Change Men
   1. The Power of Prayer
      

      People prayed for Dr. Miller for decades—grandparents and family who didn’t even know his whereabouts. Those prayers were instrumental in his turn to Christ. The church must never underestimate private, persistent prayer.

      
      
   2. The Power of the Holy Spirit
      

      Conversion and lasting life-change are not merely human decisions. Romans 8 and other Scriptures teach the Spirit renews the heart. In Dr. Miller’s story, the Spirit used Scripture, a tract, and faithful pleading to break chains of sin.

      
      
   3. The Power of God’s Word
      

      The tract “What Must I Do to Be Saved?” and the New Testament opened in a car were the instruments God used. The Word of God, when accompanied by the Spirit, saves and sanctifies.

      
      
3. Purpose: God Sets the Needy With Princes
   1. Restored to Service
      

      Psalm 113:8 shows that God sets the one He lifts among “princes.” That is spiritual honor and responsibility—preaching, teaching, and serving in ways the rescued person could never have planned for himself.

      
      
   2. Fruit of Conversion
      

      Dr. Miller describes how his children entered ministry and how his later life was marked by faithful preaching. Providence moves from rescue to purpose: God does not merely save us to leave us the same; He saves to use.

      
      
   3. Hope for Others
      

      Every life—even one that seems irretrievable—can become a platform for God’s praise. Scripture and testimony encourage us to pray for and reach out to the needy among us.

      
      
4. Response: What Must We Do?
   1. Recognize the Dunghill
      

      Honesty about sin and condition is the first step; self-deception will hinder any true change (cf. Psalm 51, 1 John 1:9).

      
      
   2. Call Upon the Lord
      

      Romans 10:13—“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Salvation is simple, immediate, and rests on Christ’s finished work.

      
      
   3. Persist in Prayer for Others
      

      Be like the praying grandparents and faithful pastor in the story—intercede for those who do not know Christ. God can and does answer persistent prayer in surprising ways.

      
      
5. Practical Means God Uses
   1. People
      

      Family members, pastors, co-workers—God uses people who are willing to keep reaching out.

      
      
   2. Means
      

      Tracts, New Testaments, Bible teaching, and simple hospitality are all tools God uses to bring sinners to repentance.

      
      
   3. Providential Circumstances
      

      Job changes, transfers, or a chance conversation can be arranged by God to bring someone into a saving encounter.

      
      

Summary

Psalm 113 declares a God who lifts the poor and needy from the dunghill and places them among the princes of His people. Dr. Dean Miller Sr.’s testimony illustrates that providence: God worked through prayer, the proclamation of the gospel, and the power of the Holy Spirit to rescue a man from addiction, shame, and despair and to give him a life of service. Providence means God provides; power means God changes. The gospel is the means by which the Almighty lifts sinners out of their pits and gives them new purpose.

Going from the gutter, covered with my own vomit, getting a divorce from my wife, addicted to alcohol, partying and playing music in the bars and the nightclubs, living like the devil, hooked on pornography and hooked on alcohol and hooked on cigarettes and sin. I was in the cesspool and what the Bible calls the dunghill. But look now, Look what God has done. I’ve been preaching this book for sixty two years. I don’t drink. I don’t smoke. I don’t look at porn. I had a great, sweet wife. All my kids are in the ministry serving God.

Quote to Ponder

This powerful closing quote from Dr. Miller reminds hearers that no life is beyond God’s redeeming work. It frames the sermon: God sees us, God saves us, and God uses us.

Application for the Week

Here are practical, actionable steps you can take this week to apply the sermon “The Providence and Power of God.”

1. Examine Your Heart
   

   Take ten minutes each day this week to honestly evaluate where you stand before God. Confess sin (1 John 1:9) and ask the Spirit to reveal areas needing change.

   
   
2. Call Upon the Lord
   

   If you have never trusted Christ, pray this week—out loud—calling on the Lord to save you (Romans 10:9-13). Tell a faithful Christian and ask them to pray with you.

   
   
3. Pray for One Person
   

   Like the praying grandparents and the pastor in the message, choose one unsaved person in your family, workplace, or friendship circle and commit to pray daily for them this week. Write their name where you can see it.

   
   
4. Share Scripture or a Tract
   

   Follow Dr. Miller’s example of how a simple tract and the Word met a needy heart. Keep a clear Gospel tract or a New Testament in your car, purse, or bag. Look for a natural opening to give it and explain why it matters.

   
   
5. Get Involved in Local Outreach
   

   Attend a weekday Bible study, volunteer in visitation or outreach, or invite your unsaved friend to an upcoming service. Providential openings often come when believers are active and available.

   
   
6. Pursue Discipleship
   

   If you are newly saved or have been walking with the Lord for a while, ask a mature believer to meet with you this week for prayer and discipleship. Growth requires intentional instruction and accountability (2 Timothy 2:2).

   
   
7. Tell Your Testimony
   

   Write a one-page account of what God has done or is doing in your life. Practice sharing it in three minutes. Personal stories are powerful instruments of providence when paired with prayer and Scripture.

   
   

May the Lord use these steps to move you from honesty to action, from prayer to purpose. God knows the dunghill and He knows the future He can produce from those low places—trust Him, pray, and be ready to be used.