What Does “God Is Good All The Time” Mean?
When we say that God is good, it means that He is perfect in every way and that His actions are always just and righteous.
This truth can be found throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. In Psalm 100:5, we read, “For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” This verse clearly states that God’s goodness is everlasting and extends to all generations.
In addition, James 1:17 says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” This verse highlights that everything good comes from God and that His goodness is unchanging.
But What About Pain and Suffering?
Is God good all the time even when we’re in the midst of pain and suffering? Yes, He is. While it may be hard to understand and accept, God’s goodness does not change even when we face difficult circumstances.
In Romans 8:28, we are reminded that “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.” This verse shows us that even in the midst of pain and suffering, God is still working for our good.
Furthermore, God’s goodness is not just limited to this life on earth. In Revelation 21:4, we are given a glimpse of the future where there will be no more pain or suffering because God will make all things new. His ultimate plan is for our eternal good and perfect happiness.
How Do We Experience God’s Goodness?
As humans, we are constantly faced with trials and tribulations. However, even in the midst of our struggles, we can still experience God’s goodness. Here are some ways we experience that God is good all the time.
God Is Good To Give Us Salvation
In John 3:16, we are reminded that “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” The greatest demonstration of God’s goodness is seen through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for our sins. Through this act of love, we are given the opportunity to receive salvation and spend eternity with Him.
God Is Good To Provide For Our Needs
In Matthew 6:26, Jesus says, “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” This verse reminds us that if God takes care of even the birds, how much more will He provide for us, His beloved children. We can trust in His goodness to meet our physical and emotional needs.
God Is Good To Guide Us
In Psalm 23:3, David declares that God “leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” As believers, we have the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us in the way we should go. God’s goodness is displayed through His guidance and protection as we navigate through life.
God Is Good To Give Us Joy
In Psalm 16:11, David says, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” As we seek God and walk in His ways, we experience the joy of His presence. This joy surpasses circumstances and is a reminder of God’s goodness and faithfulness towards us.
God Is Good To Comfort Us
In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Paul writes, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” In times of struggle and pain, we can turn to God for comfort knowing that He is good and will never leave us or forsake us.
Why Is It Important To Acknowledge That God Is Good All The Time?
More than anything else, we must acknowledge that God is good all the time because it brings Him glory. When we recognize and declare His goodness in our lives, it testifies to the world of His character and love for us. It also strengthens our faith as we remember all the ways God has been good to us in the past.
Recognizing and acknowledging that God is good all the time brings comfort, hope, and strength to our lives. When we trust in His goodness, we can have peace knowing that He is in control of every situation. In addition, acknowledging His goodness helps us to see the positive things in our lives and be grateful for them.
Furthermore, understanding God’s goodness also leads us to worship and praise Him. Psalm 107:1 says, “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” When we recognize that all good things come from God, we can’t help but praise and thank Him for His unending love and goodness.
How Can We Remind Ourselves That Good Is Good All The Time?
It’s essential that we constantly remind ourselves that God is good all the time. How do we do that?
Reading God’s Word
The Bible is filled with passages that speak of God’s goodness and faithfulness. Reading these verses can remind us of His character and help us to trust in Him more fully. Some verses to consider are:
- Psalm 119:68 – “You are good and do good; teach me your statutes.”
- Nahum 1:7 – “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.”
- James 1:17 – “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
Reflecting on Our Past Experiences
We may have experienced hardships and trials in the past, but if we look closely, we can see God’s goodness and faithfulness shining through even in those difficult times. Reflecting on these experiences can help us to trust that God is good all the time, no matter what circumstances we may face.
Fellowshipping With Other Christians
Spending time with other believers can also remind us of God’s goodness. Hearing their testimonies and seeing how God has worked in their lives can strengthen our faith and trust in Him. Additionally, we can encourage one another to always see the good in every situation and to give thanks to God for His goodness.
Praying and Seeking God
When we are feeling overwhelmed or struggling to believe in God’s goodness, it’s important to turn to Him in prayer. We can ask Him to reveal His goodness to us and help us to have faith in His character. Seeking God through prayer and spending time in His presence can remind us of how good He truly is.
Bible Verses About God’s Goodness
Here is a selection of Bible verses that remind us of God’s unending goodness:
- Psalm 34:8 – “Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!”
- Psalm 145:9 – “The LORD is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.”
- Matthew 7:11 – “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”
- Romans 8:28 – “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
- 1 Timothy 4:4 – “For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.”
- 1 Chronicles 16:34 – “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!”
Each of these verses exemplifies the goodness of God and offers us a reassurance of His unwavering love and kindness towards us.
The Goodness of God and Our Response
Knowing that God is good all the time should lead us to respond in gratitude, praise, and trust. First Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Even in difficult situations, we can trust that God’s goodness will prevail and give thanks to Him.
We should also praise God for His goodness. Psalm 107:1 says, “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” As believers, we have experienced God’s goodness in our lives and should continuously offer thanksgiving and praise to Him.
In addition, understanding God’s goodness should increase our trust in Him. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” When we fully trust in God’s goodness, we can surrender our worries and fears to Him, knowing that He has our best interest at heart.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the concept of God’s goodness is an essential aspect of the Christian faith. It reminds us of God’s character and His love for humanity. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of God’s goodness in action through His provision, protection, and constant presence in our lives.
As believers, we should respond to this truth with gratitude, praise, and trust, knowing that God’s goodness will never fail us. So let us continuously declare with confidence, “God is good all the time!” So let us continue to seek Him and His goodness in every aspect of our lives.
