God Is Good, Life Is Hard

Read

Psalm 100:5 "For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."

James 1:17 "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

Think

In a world filled with uncertainty and suffering, it’s easy to question whether God is truly good. Yet, Scripture consistently affirms that God’s very essence is goodness. God’s goodness means he is the ultimate standard of good, and everything he does is inherently worthy of approval. Psalm 34:8 invites us to "taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him." This goodness is not just a lofty idea—it’s a reality we can experience in the very fabric of our lives.

The story of Job provides one of the most profound illustrations of God's goodness amidst suffering. Job, a man who lost everything—his wealth, his family, and his health—still declared, "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21). Job’s resilience, even as he faced unimaginable loss, reflects a deep trust in God’s goodness beyond his circumstances. As C.S. Lewis noted, "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains: it is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world." Through Job’s story, we see that our suffering does not diminish God’s goodness but becomes a source of strength and hope.

Jonathan Edwards (American pastor 1700s) emphasized that God’s goodness is at the heart of his character: "God is infinitely exalted above all created beings in that he has absolutely no need of any of them, and that he is perfectly and infinitely happy in himself." This insight reminds us that God's goodness is not dependent on us or our circumstances but is rooted in his unchanging nature. And the ultimate reflection of this goodness is seen in the cross. God’s goodness is clearly demonstrated in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. God’s love and justice met at the cross, providing the ultimate good for humanity—salvation. Romans 8:28 reassures us that "in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Even when we cannot see or understand his ways, God’s goodness is at work, weaving our lives into his perfect plan.

Today, let’s rest in the unchanging goodness of God. When life’s storms rage and doubts arise, let’s remember that God’s goodness is not dependent on our circumstances but is anchored in his steady nature. Like Job, we can choose to bless the Lord's name, trusting his goodness is always present, active, and working for our ultimate good. And as we look to the cross, let’s find refuge in the greatest demonstration of his goodness, knowing that he is our hope, peace, and strength, no matter what we face.

Apply

Write down one way you’ve experienced God’s goodness, whether through provision, comfort, or the encouragement of others.

Pray

Lord, I thank you for your unchanging goodness, even when life feels uncertain. Help me to see your goodness in every moment, especially in the difficult times. Teach me to trust in your character, knowing that your plans for me are rooted in love and grace. As I reflect on the cross, let it constantly remind me of your greatest act of goodness and love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.