Finding God’s Goodness in Life’s Ups and Downs
Have you ever wondered how to reconcile the idea of a loving God with the difficulties and hardships we face in life? It’s easy to get caught up in thinking that God’s goodness is directly tied to our circumstances. We might assume that when things are going well, God must be pleased with us, and when they’re not, He must be displeased.
However, this perspective can lead to a flawed understanding of God’s nature. King David, who faced numerous challenges and adversities throughout his life, knew that God’s goodness is rooted in His unchanging character traits of mercy and love.
Separating Circumstances from God’s Goodness
David’s experiences were far from easy. He was maligned by friends and family, hunted by King Saul, and forced to hide in caves, fearing for his life. Yet, in the midst of these trials, he poured out his anguish to God and made a remarkable declaration: “Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old…according to your love remember me, for you are good, O LORD. Good and upright is the LORD” (Psalm 25:6-8).
David understood that his circumstances did not define God’s goodness. Instead, he knew that God’s goodness is always the same, regardless of whether life is good or bad. This realization allowed him to sing of God’s goodness in all situations, whether he was peacefully tending his sheep or fearfully running from his enemies.
Tasting and Seeing God’s Goodness
David wrote, “All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful” (Psalm 25:10), and “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him” (Psalm 34:8). These words convey a profound truth: God’s goodness is not something we experience only on good days; it’s a constant reality that underlies every aspect of our lives.
People who attest to God’s goodness in their lives don’t experience an absence of trouble; instead, they have a deep awareness of God’s presence in every situation. They know that God’s goodness is the same on bad days as it is on good days.
A Prayer of Thanksgiving
As we navigate life’s ups and downs, we can follow David’s example and express our gratitude for God’s unwavering goodness. We can pray, “Father, I thank you that You are always good and what You do is good also.” May this prayer become our heart’s cry, reminding us that God’s goodness is a rock-solid foundation that underlies every aspect of our lives.
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