God Is Still Good

Wow.  I hadn't planned to take a 2-week hiatus.  But sometimes the demanding, soul-wrenching in-the-trenches moments arise unexpectedly out of nowhere, refocusing our attention and our priorities.  Such has been the case over the past couple weeks.

The thoughts and ponderings of my heart have been many.  On one recent day, I heard a sweet older friend giving testimony to how God had healed and protected her in her walk with cancer.  Understandably, she repeatedly exclaimed, "God is good, God is so good."  And my heart rejoiced with hers. 

But to be perfectly honest with you, I found myself troubled by her words.  They churned in my heart and mind.  And they didn't sit well.  Part of that was because I recognized the same faulty thought pattern in my own life.  When things go the way I want them to...when they work out according to my plans and desires...when there is healing...God is good.  But if He hadn't healed my friend?  He hadn't brought about the desired outcome?  Would He then be bad? 

Oh, God, convict me when I give way to that mindset.

We're currently walking through the valley with dear friends.  The outlook is somewhat grim and not so hope-filled.  Our friends' moment by moment prayer and our hearts' desire is for a miracle, but even if that doesn't take place, their longing is to make much of Jesus and bring honor to His name.  The diagnosis hurts.  It's unexpected.  In my humanness, it seems cruel and unfair.  But even now in this valley, my God is good.

Late last week, we received confirmation that one of "our" girls---a senior finishing her last 2 weeks of high school---was diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma.  Again, my heart is reeling.  So much of life hurts.  So much of life just doesn't make sense. 

But in the midst of it all, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that my God has not left us. 
He is not unaware.  unfeeling.  uninvolved. 
He loves us.  Oh, how He loves us. 
And He has not changed.  Nor have His promises.
So we're clinging to Him for dear life,
believing and trusting that He is good,
even when life isn't.

When we feel weary and bitter and shaken, our God---our faithful, unchangeable, loving God---remains seated---sovereign, sufficient, and able---on His throne.  And even when life hurts, "God is still God and God is still good." (Zac Smith)

To God be the glory.

***to view video, please pause music at bottom of page.***