God is good

God is good.

Lately I've been noticing those words a lot. They are so deeply true, but the only time I hear them is when something good has happened in someone's life. And I must admit, I think the same thing when life is right; when the sun is shining and something wonderful has happened. But what about when life is grueling? When horrible, daunting things come and you feel overwhelmed, what then? It's so hard at that moment to think, "Hey, isn't God good?"

I must admit, that has never been the first (or second or third) thing I've thought when thorny things have knocked on my door. Sometimes it takes years of looking back over my shoulder before I can see and admit God's goodness during a difficult time in life.

Lately, when I hear those words and see the circumstances under which they're used, I've wondered two things:

1. Is it possible for humans to hurt the father heart of God?

2. Do we hurt that heart when we say He's good only when life is good?

Maybe not. Maybe, because He is our Father, He understands how difficult it is for us to say, "Hey, you are wonderful!" when life isn't.

But, I think as our Father, he'd appreciate it if we would.

The bible says,

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see...

....Hebrews 11:1

And, the bible says He is good. All the time. Daytime, nighttime, lovely times, trying times. All the times. He is good.

He is good when life isn't:

The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.

Nahum 1:7

He is good when we aren't:

Good and upright is the Lord; therefore He instructs sinners in His ways.

Psalm 25:8

He is good when life is frightening:

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.

Psalm 34:8

He is good when it looks like He isn't:

For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all

generations.

Psalm 100:5

He is good when we don't deserve it:

The Lord is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made.

Psalm 145:9

He even has goodness stored up for us:

How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in You.

Psalm 31:19

Clinging to those words, those verses...remembering them as life happens rather than spotting them years after the fact...trusting Him minute by minute, when life doesn't make sense-that's my prayer. To get to the point where I can see and say "God is good" regardless...Rememebering Hebrews 11:1 even when life doesn't make sense:

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see...