Always Good

READ: PSALM 107:1; ROMANS 8:31-39; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:7

I was out of ideas for where to look. Finally, I pulled out my journal, grabbed a pen, and wrote, “Lord, please help me find my grammar textbook.”

About a week before, I’d misplaced a schoolbook. I had already been reprimanded about not having the textbook for English class and had borrowed a friend’s book once. I couldn’t keep that up indefinitely. What was I to do?

I searched everywhere I could envision the book might be hiding—under my bed, in my locker, in our family’s minivan. I just couldn’t locate it. However, within a day or so of asking God to help me find it, the book appeared—right there on a shelf in the school’s band hall. Relieved, I thanked God for leading me to the missing book.

But what if I hadn’t been able to locate it? What if I’d had to pay the school for the lost textbook? Would I still have thanked the Lord? Would I still have considered God to be good?

Often, I notice statements from people on social media, sharing about some happy news in their lives and then declaring that God is good. But the Bible tells us God is always good, no matter our circumstances.

When we trust in Jesus as the One who saves us from sin and promises to free us from death, we begin a relationship with our Heavenly Father. Through Jesus, God gives us the gift of becoming His child, and, as a perfect father, He is always good to His children.

And when our situations cause us to question God’s goodness? Then we have a choice to make about how we view God’s heart and His actions. Since God loved us so much that He sent His Son Jesus to die in our place, then raised Jesus from the grave, making the way for us to be with Him forever, we can trust Him to be good always, even when life is difficult. • Allison Wilson Lee

• Have you noticed people saying “God is good” when things in their life seem to be going well? While it’s great to celebrate and thank God for what He has done, why is it also important for us to remember God’s goodness in the hard times?

• How does the gospel (the good news about Jesus) reveal God’s unchanging goodness?

• Whenever we’re struggling, God wants us to be honest with Him and ask for His help. Consider taking a moment to talk to God about any difficult circumstances you’re facing today, remembering that nothing can separate you from His love (Romans 8:38-39).

For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (CSB)