“The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him” (Nahum 1:7 NKJV).
Good can be reduced no further than the word God. Good is not God, but God is good. Philosophy, science, and religion can get no closer to the meaning of the word good than the Scriptural observation, “Good and upright is the LORD; Therefore He teaches sinners in the way” (Psalm 25:8). Messiah Jesus rightly answered the rich young man, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God” (Mark 10:18), admitting His divinity, defending Yahweh, and pursuing the eternal good of the inquirer’s soul.
The Psalmist reminded us that God’s goodness touches everyone. “The LORD is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works” (Psalm 145:9). The certainty is God’s goodness touches everything. “Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness” (Acts 14:17). The question is why humanity insists on rejecting God? What more must God do to demonstrate His goodness? “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
When God’s people think like the world, we do not respond to the essential goodness of God. Everything God has done and is doing, is good; however, only those who love Him, understand it. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). It may seem like we are not appreciating God’s goodness in all things, but do we honestly give God thanks for all things?
Our Christian plan for daily life must incorporate this understanding in all things. Everything works “for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (8:28). The world cannot see this because they do not see God nor understand His conduct in the world.
Why do bad things happen to good people?
According to Romans 8:28, everything works for good, but only if you love Him. Consider Christ’s words, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). We only lose the joy of our salvation, if we can be persuaded by the Wicked One to look at our circumstances as not working together for our good. Again, if we “love God” (Romans 8:28), then we actively accept the result of God’s Goodness making “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (8:28).
Have you ever noticed how things worked out better than they should have?
That’s the goodness of God and not an accident.
It could be argued, as we approach the end of all things, the wicked one would become more frantic, and increasingly seek opportunities and permission to attack us more to thwart us. Remember how he sought permission to attack Job? But, also remember how our Faithful Creator remembers our frailty. “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1Corinthians 10:13).
If God is victorious, then so will we.
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
God’s goodness was seeking us long before we were seeking Him.
“Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance” (Romans 2:4).
Much more is said about God’s goodness than we have ever realized.
Do we truly appreciate how good God is?
Father, open my eyes that I may see Your goodness. Cause me to appreciate Your goodness. May You be magnified for Your goodness and Your wonderful works before the children of men. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Your name, we pray. Amen.
We Need A Miracle 