Walk In the Goodness of God, Even When Things Look Bad

God’s goodness exists in our lives whether we choose to see it or not.

Many things happen in our day-to-day lives. As we perceive them, some are good, some are bad, some seem to be neutral.

As I profess faith, I claim to trust the Lord, to trust His goodness for my life in all of the above. Yet do I demonstrate it?

I say God is good. Yet when something outside my preference happens, I get angry or sulk or mutter under my breath.

Why? If God is always good, and He is, then He will work in and through this undesirable situation for my good.

If God is always good, and He is, then He will work in and through an undesirable situation for our good. Click To Tweet

Goodness in Bad Days?

If God is always good, then why do we say we have bad days? There will be days when bad things happen, but with God, good things come from bad and there is always grace present.

So if God is good, can a day ever be wholly bad?

After all, every day God’s mercies are new (Lamentations 3:22-23). (What a comforting verse!)

Every day we get a redo, a new start. Every day is redeemed when offered as a sacrifice to God.

Good God, Good Gifts

So I must ask, and I must challenge myself (after all my one word for 2015 was Growth): Do I demonstrate my faith in a good God in all circumstances?

Not just when the car starts.

Not just when my spouse and I agree in financial decisions or parenting issues.

Not just when my health is strong.

Not just when I have a roof over my head, plentiful food and clothes, a car (or two) to drive, and at least one vacation every year.

Do I demonstrate my faith in the difficult times as well as the easy? Do I praise God and walk as one with hope during bad times as well as good?

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

As Christians, we are confessing we trust Him. We trust that there is good even when things look bad.

So may we walk in God’s goodness, not just when the storm lifts, but through each and every drop of rain as well.

As Christians, we are confessing we trust Him. We trust that there is good even when things look bad; may we walk in God's goodness through each & every drop of rain. Click To Tweet

I pray for the grace to do just that.

Because the Father is good, and He can do nothing but give good gifts to His children.

So whatever circumstance you find yourself in, open your eyes to see the goodness of God in His good gifts, and give thanks for His often missed grace when bad things happen.

It is there.

Whatever circumstance you find yourself in, open your eyes to see the goodness of God in His good gifts, and give thanks for His often missed grace when bad things happen. It is there. Click To Tweet

“What man among you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” Matthew 7:9-11

Your Turn

Reflections: How do you remind yourself to walk in the goodness of God, even when your circumstances are less than ideal? If you need a little help, I wrote a devotional on praising God. Get Everyday Praise: Walking in Greater Peace here.

One Word 2015

And I’m excited to begin another year recording blessings. Since beginning over 3 years ago, I’ve counted more than 3,500 gifts in Ann Voskamp’s Joy Dare! What a blessing! So here we go in 2015: #3534–3554, read my entire list by clicking here.

Working alone at home–affords me many perks, including allowing me to spontaneously praise God whenever I want; Great first meeting of my collaboration mastermind group; Supper of thrown-together leftovers
Chickadee greeting me from outside my living room window; Christmas decor at home put away; Snuggling on the floor with my favorite girl while listening to worship music
Familiar ticking of our kitchen clock; A long but very worthwhile school meeting (IEP) for Rachel; Memorized verse 1 of my Psalm 27 memorization exercise
Daniel safe in Washington DC; Rachel independently stringing together four meaningful words with her communication device; Watching Joey’s first-ever basketball game
Wrapping up in my favorite sweatshirt; The amazing staff and administration of Camp Courageous ; Beginning my solo retreat
Full day of prayer, reflection, & planning; Quick healing of the tongue–because I often lack patience when drinking hot tea; Blessing of our private retreat–who ever thought a barn could be such a wonderful destination
The gorgeous pictures God paints for our pleasure; Inspirational & educational podcasts for solo drives; Getting Rach home from another great experience at Camp Courageous