Dear Sister,
Lately, I have found myself squirming in my seat when I respond, “God is good!” Why do I squirm? Because I type or say that when times are good and when times are bad. Just last night, I stopped to ask myself am I being a hypocrite? No, seriously—is this an appropriate comment at all times or am I just fooling myself and using God’s name incorrectly?
After some introspection, I concluded the comment is absolutely appropriate at all times. Here is why: God created the world. He created man and woman. After every day of creation, He said, “It is good!” He didn’t make a single thing that required a “do over.” After finishing His creative processes, He blessed Adam and Eve with the privilege of joining Him in managing this new, perfect world and in doing some creating of their own (“be fruitful and multiply”).
Thus far, all was good in the garden where God placed them, life was perfect. Then woman and man used the good freedom God gave them to choose selfishness. With one bite of forbidden fruit sin entered the world. Humankind had ONE law to follow and we failed. Now, daily, we fail abundantly. To my sorrow, I choose self over God with tremendous ease.
Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ He provided a way of escape from this cycle of death! Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, I can say, “God is good!” at all times, for though I may be walking through the valley of the shadow of death that I richly deserve (and more besides), He is with me. I may be profusely showered with blessings despite my sins, and again, He is so very good!
I, we, deserve nothing but condemnation and death. Yet even while we wallowed in the mire, God gave us the life and blood of His Son and many other blessings besides. Our very breath is a gift.
God Is Good, Indeed!
Running with you,
Rebecca