God's Goodness

Day 1, Anchors of Truth

The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him. Nahum 1:7 (NKJV)

Confession. Bedtime prayers with my kids have never been a thing. I hug and tuck them in but remembering to pray has always slipped my mind. So, after many months of self-imposed mom guilt, I decided to create our own special prayer time on the way to school in the mornings.

One particular morning, it was my then five-year-old’s turn to pray. Hyper would not even begin to describe him that day. I looked back at him in the mirror and indicated it was his turn to pray. He suddenly got very still, folded his hands, and a giant smile spread across his face, “God,” he paused, and the smile grew bigger, “You are just SOOOO good.”

I couldn’t tell you what the rest of the prayer was that morning because tears slid down my cheeks and a smile spread across my own face. At that time, life was more than difficult. My husband was undergoing cancer treatments just as the Covid quarantine of 2020 hit. That was the year I let go of the only career I’d ever known—education. To be honest, I was struggling to see God’s goodness.

But as I replayed my five-year-old’s words, God brought moments of his goodness to the forefront: wonderful times with my sisters in Christ, the blessings of each of my children, and the house he was helping us build. Blessing after blessing filled my mind.

Then I thought about the great joy of being an educator. Six years in the elementary classroom and ten years teaching future teachers. He opened the door for part-time employment between two colleges, and I was still able to be at home with my kids.

 But God’s goodness isn’t just the blessings he bestows; goodness is who he is. He is a generous and loving God who longs to bless his children. His generosity is seen throughout scripture. Even though we may not always see that his goodness is shining through, we can trust that it is.

There’s a great misconception that God is a punishing God. Too many Christians are afraid they’ve messed things up and God is going to make their lives miserable because of their mistakes. They don’t understand why bad things happen and blame God for not stopping those things. But one truth about God I always stand on comes from Romans 8:28 (NIV). And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Sometimes it takes hindsight to recognize when something is good, but God always has our best at heart. If he allows it, there’s goodness to come from it. If he stops it, there’s a good reason for the protection.

Just because we don’t feel like God is good doesn’t negate the fact that he is good. It’s who he is. Tonight, when you close your eyes to another day, even if it’s not the day you would have chosen, plant a big ole smile on your face and remember the prayer of my five-year-old son, “God, you are just SOOOO good.” And then, take time to count every blessing of God’s goodness in your life.

Do the Heart Work

1.      Have you ever accused God of not being good? Why?

2.      What are some blessings God has given you? List them.

3.      How do see the goodness of God in your classroom?

Digging Deeper

Read over these verses. What is something you can take with you back into your classroom?

1.      Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34 (NIV)

2.      “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!  Matthew 7:9-11 (NIV)

3.      Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Psalm 34:8 (ESV)

4.      Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness. Psalm 107:8-9 (NKJV)

If You Get Spare Time

       Do you see God’s goodness in your school, or are you blinded by the negatives? Make a point to look for the good today as you walk through the halls. Look for the blessings and encourage other teachers. God’s goodness shines brightly if we will take the time to see it.