What do you really believe about God? We can quote the many Scriptures describing God. We can reflect back what our theology teaches us about God. But the question remains to be answered, “What do I really believe about God?” What we believe about God is seen in how we live our lives more than in just what we say.
Do I believe that God is really good? Perhaps we need to consider what we think is “good.” Who defines what is good? How do I determine what is good? Is something good because it brings me health or wealth? Is something good when I laugh and feel good about myself? Are things good because they happen just like I want them to? Are not these all very subjective definitions of good? So if I believe that God is good does that mean that I believe it because he does things MY way?
Have you ever had something good happen then later on discover it was really bad? Or vice versa, something came across bad but it turned out great? Does this mean that my definition of good and bad have changed?
I realize that this comes across as a very philosophical discussion. However, it does affect our understanding of God. If I believe that God is good then the definition of goodness cannot be what I define as good. The Scripture repeatedly tells us that God is good, so all that God does and allows must be good. Joseph was sold into slavery, lied about by his employer’s wife, sent to prison for 10 to 12 years. Yet he told his brothers: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Gen 50:19-20 NIV It appeared to be evil for many years, but it was for the good. The good of the entire known world of his day.
I believe in the real goodness of God, as God defines it. The journey of my life will take me though mountains and valleys. Now I know that wherever God leads me it is good! What people intend for evil, God intends for good. What the devil tries to work against me, God can work for good.
God may mysteriously lead us into his purposes at times, through darkness and obscurity. Knowing he is good means we can trust in his goodness and love regardless of what we face. Living out the goodness of our God means we walk this journey of life in safety even if it takes us into the shadows. We rest in the peace of God, rejecting anxiety because God is really good.
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Yes He is. God is good all the time. All the time God is good.
Just before you plunged me under the baptism waters you ask me if I had anything to say. I said “God is good.” Then I got real wet and I really haven’t gotten over it yet. In that moment things changed for me not in an overwhelming way, but more subtle. His spirit was to work on me then and has continued up to now, the rest is faith.
May His light shine for me onto my path and salt be left on the trail for others to encounter.
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