It’s amazing that we have a god that wants to have a relationship with us. Our God is so awesome that He wants to adopt us as His own children. We have a god who tells us to call Him “Father” and ask Him for anything.
Even though terrible things happen, I still believe that our God is good. That must be what faith is. To trust God to make things right when everything around us seems to be going wrong. I experienced His goodness in the past and because He never changes, I expect to experience His goodness in the present and future.
There are many examples of God being good in my life. Here are just a few.
Supernatural Peace
While I was in college, a strong feeling of despair came over me one night after Bible study. I had a great time at the meeting and was walking home when I suddenly felt depressed. Bad thoughts came into my mind. I’m glad God didn’t let those thoughts come true because I wouldn’t want anyone to go through what I was thinking at the time. I felt terrible, unloved, ugly, stupid, and weak.
It was good that my roommate wasn’t in the apartment when I got home because I was in such a bad mood. I walked to the kitchen and saw the chef knife in the drying rack. At that time, I just wanted to end my life. When the blade was pressed against my wrist, my thoughts went to my roommate and how awful it would be for her to come home with my blood all over the apartment floor. So I put the knife down and went to bed.
I was angry! I wanted to scream but it was late so I just grunted.loudly. I was mad at God for letting me feel this way. In my mind I was shouting at Him, asking Him “Why?” I didn’t want to feel so hopeless. I was crying and wanted this despair to stop. Just as suddenly that the despair came over me, this time a sense of incredible peace filled me. I felt warm and cozy. I stopped crying but there were tears of joy. I started telling God, “Thank You!” over and over again. I haven’t had that feeling of despair since.
Wisdom And Understanding
The year our first child was born, our phone rang in the middle of the night. It was my dad calling to let me know my brother died from drowning. He was only 28 years old. I don’t remember much after the call. My mind was numb and in disbelief.
By God’s grace, Scott knew what to do. He booked a flight for me and Marcus to fly over as soon as possible. He would join us after he got his work in order. It was an awkward situation but God gave Scott wisdom and understanding to know how to handle the circumstances we were put in.
I witnessed the different grief processes during this time. There was anger at the ones who survived the ocean excursion, anger at God for taking our loved one so early, anger at people who didn’t seem to understand the grieving process, and lots of depression. God used this great loss to bring our extended family closer together.
Provision
There was a time when all of Scott’s clients were late paying their invoices. Some were more than a month late. It was a time when our cash flow wasn’t ideal. We were worried if we could pay our own bills. But God provided for us at the nick of time. He has provided in the past but every time a new situation comes up, we still have a part of us that worries or gets anxious. We are getting better each time.
Presence
Throughout Scott’s medical journey, we have seen God work and felt His presence. I don’t know how I would have handled all that goes on with Scott having cancer without trusting in a good God. There was (and still is) so much waiting and uncertainty. But God provided friends and family who were (are) there for us. We felt God’s love through them praying for us and helping us through the adventure.
Experiencing and seeking God through all that life brings is what I think Psalms 34:8 means when it says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” We know God is good because Jesus says so in Mark 10:18. How has God been good to you?
Prayer
Almighty God in heaven,
We don’t deserve Your love. You blessed us even when we were Your enemy. Thank You for wanting to be a part of our lives. Help us to discover Your goodness and to know You more every day. May we be more like you so that the world will be a better place.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
Verses
Revelations 3:20 God stands at the door and knocks. If we open, He will come in and eat with us as friends.
Romans 8:15 We received the Spirit of adoption and can cry out, “Father!”
1 John 5:14 God hears us when we ask for anything
Romans 8:28 God works all things together for good
Psalms 34:8 Taste and see that the Lord is good!
Philippians 4:7 You’ll experience God’s peace which is beyond understanding
Proverbs 2:6 God gives wisdom and understanding
Philippians 4:19 God will supply all our needs
Isaiah 41:10 Don’t fear because God is with us. He will strengthen us and help us
Mark 10:18 Only God is truly good
Song
“God Is Good (All The Time)” by Austen French is a song that resonates with me.
Call to action
If you have already prayed, read the verses, and listened to the suggested song, then make a list of all the times that God has been good to you and share some of those times with someone.