Here's the deal - lately it seems like everytime I turn around I've been hearing the phrase, "God is good". Of course, that is true and I wouldn't argue that for a minute. What I've noticed, however, is that those words have been added at the end of a statement of something "good" that has happened. And that's what got me to thinking.....
If I really believe that God is good, then why haven't you heard these words from me? "Tiffany can't find a job...God is good". "I live away from all of my friends and family...God is good". "Another Christian marriage bit the dust...God is good". I could go on, but you get the point. As I pondered this glaring reality in my life, I realized that I don't think that way because I let the enemy remove my focus from God and onto myself. What's going on in my life and the lives of those I love becomes my focus which in turn gives life circumstances a greater value than who God is.
Should we take the time to look at what He says about Himself and what makes Him good, life becomes clear again. Here are a few things I was reminded of when I actually did so:
Colossians 1:16 - "For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities -all things have been created through Him and for Him."
2 Corinthians 5:21 - "He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."
Deuteronomy 31:6 - ..."for the Lord your God is the One who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you."
Notice that it doesn't say that we'll be happy. We're promised a lot of other things like love, joy, peace, and eternal life, but never once are we guaranteed happiness. God has graciously invited us to be part of His story and it really and truly isn't about us.
Whatever circumstances we find ourselves in today, whether "good" or "bad", my prayer is that we don't become as those that God spoke of in Ezekiel, "who have eyes to see but do not see, ears to hear but do not hear."
And the answer to the question posed at the beginning? I think Mr. Beaver's words to Lucy in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe say it best: "Safe?...'course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you."
6 comments:
Thanks for this post. God is good....no matter what. I love you! :)
A friend of mine shared this quote recently. Seems fitting to share here...
"God seems to work like this much of the time in our own lives. He lets our weaknesses and difficulties drive us to himself, keeping us close. Miracles happen, but the inner transformation we so desperately desire can only be achieved over time. God seems to prefer it this way, perhaps because he knows we can only become like him by maintaining a constant close connection." Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus
This quote is from the same book...
"While the Gospels record many instances of Jesus instantly healing people's illnesses, we know of NOT EVEN ONE INSTANCE in which he simply waved his hand to immediately fix an ugly habit for one of his disciples. Instead, he simply kept teaching and correcting them, giving them time to grow..."
God is good. God is love. What's hard is that on this side of heaven we don't get to see the big picture of our lives the way He does. When I feel lost in the heartache this life can bring,I hang onto what I know to be true...and try to remember that the circumstances of my life or others is not the end of the story. Best part...Jesus has already written our story and He is in control as our Sovereign Lord.
I love you...and cherish your fellowship...always!
Lots of hugs, Glenda
Ah....is this not the struggle of always! I'm so glad to have people to ride out this journey with and who at least understand the important questions. I have no job....God is good! I have been sick for 11 days....God is good. I'm starting over again.....God is good.
Love and miss you lots and lots!!
Love you, Jill. Miss you, Jill. Will you be my mommy, Jill?
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