God is good - do you believe that?
Sitting in the drive-thru line at Dunkin Dounts, waiting for my latte, I was struck by the enormous rose bush planted beside the menu. The bush was so large, so full of pink flowers, that it was impossible to miss.
Rarely do I treat myself to a latte, but the morning was cold and dreary. I had just finished a good workout, and I had an afternoon of writing ahead of me. The warm, caffeinated drink would keep me toasty and energized.
I couldn’t take my eyes off the bush. So captivated by its beauty, I snapped a picture and sent it to my husband. “Can you believe this bush is in the DD drive-thru?” After all, fast food drive-thrus are not known for lovely landscaping.
The dark sky, contrasted in the back, made the color of the flowers pop even more. And as I studied the bush, taking in its beauty against a stormy backdrop, I thought about how this very picture was a perfect illustration of what life looks like for those who follow Christ.
I have felt an incredible variety of emotions this week. Things happening in my own life, in the lives of those around me, and in the news headlines have caused me to feel emotions ranging from joy to sorrow to fear.
King David understood. In Psalm 27, he shared his raw emotions. And as he worked through them, seeking God with each word, he said: “I remain confident of this; I will see the goodness of God in the land of the living.”
Dear friend, I get it. I absolutely understand what it’s like to feel like the world is closing in around you and there isn’t an ounce of goodness to be found. But what God has taught me, and continues to teach me, is that I must always remember He is good… and I must look for it.
Maybe it’s a beautiful rose bush on a rainy day when headlines scream of war and scarcity and persecution.
Maybe it’s a kind word from a stranger that brings relief to your hurting heart.
Maybe it’s seeing the smile of a new baby while you grieve the loss of someone you love.
Maybe it’s the joy of witnessing God answer someone else’s prayer while you’re still petitioning Him and waiting for an answer of your own.
God is good.
Do you believe that? Are you confident of that?
If so, then look for His goodness. Ask Him to give you eyes to see it. He will. And when He does, you’ll come to realize that not only is God’s goodness everywhere, but it is often best seen in the most unexpected of places.
