As I was reading my devotions this morning I was struck by a common theme: the goodness of God. If you knew a lot of the stuff going on around me you would know that this particular theme is a little ironic, yet fitting. Sometimes it is hard to see God's goodness. Sometimes we look at ourselves or the world around us and go, "Really, God? Are you really good? Then why did [fill in the blank] happen?". Honestly, we are never going to know the answer to that question. We won't. That's the way it is. If you know me or have read anything I've written you know that I like answers and I like to figure things out. I'm a math major for heavens sake. I solve problems. Unfortunately, this is not one I can figure out.
However, I do know that I believe in Jesus Christ and in his promises. I believe that when he says that God is good, then it is true. I believe in the authority of the Bible in that it is the word of God (2 Tim 3:16). Therefore, when the Bible says that God is good, I believe it. I have faith in it. Since my faith is grounded in what I know and what I see around me, I know my belief is valid. My belief is valid not because I believe it, but because God has revealed his truth to me and HE validates it. All this to say, God is good because He says He is.
Sometimes life sucks and we can't see God's goodness. I get that. I've seen plenty of bad things that I don't wish to talk about on here (feel free to confront me about them, though). But even in the midst of them and in especially in retrospect, I believe God is good and he has a plan. He is going to take care of you. Don't take my word for it, take His.
I encourage you to read this following verse and devotions that I have quoted below. Have a blessed day.
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
John 16:33 (NIV)
So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
John 16:22 (NIV)
From God's Daily Promises For Students: Daily Wisdom From God's Word from the Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. March 13, 2012.
"Many people picture God as a stern and vindictive, just watching and waitin for the chance to zap humans with bolts of misfortune. But this verse shows the opposite. God loves you and wants only good things for you. He wants your future - both in this life and in heaven - to be bright and hopeful."
From Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. March 13, 2012.
"Learn to live about your circumstances. This requires focused time with Me, the One who overcame the world. Trouble and distress are women into the very fabric of this perishing world. Only My Life in you can empower you to face this endless flow of problems with good cheer.
As you sit quietly in My Presence, I shine Peace into your troubled mind and heart. Little by little, you are freed from earthly shackles and lifted up above your circumstances. You gain My perspective on your life, enabling you to distinguish between what is important and what is not. Rest in My Presence, receiving Joy that no one can take away from you."
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Add on to yesterday...
This is so cool. I went to Bible Gateway this morning and this was the verse of the day:
1 Peter 3:15
The Message (MSG)
13-18If with heart and soul you're doing good, do you think you can be stopped? Even if you suffer for it, you're still better off. Don't give the opposition a second thought. Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy. Keep a clear conscience before God so that when people throw mud at you, none of it will stick. They'll end up realizing that they're the ones who need a bath. It's better to suffer for doing good, if that's what God wants, than to be punished for doing bad. That's what Christ did definitively: suffered because of others' sins, the Righteous One for the unrighteous ones. He went through it all—was put to death and then made alive—to bring us to God.
How cool is that? The day after I use that verse it ends up being the verse of the day. It's either a big coincidence or God having some fun, I would say. :)
How cool is that? The day after I use that verse it ends up being the verse of the day. It's either a big coincidence or God having some fun, I would say. :)
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