Since the horrible tragedy in Japan last week, I have heard several friends talking about how to discuss events like this with their children. Those are some of the most difficult moments in parenting.
I’ve been contemplating this question:
What is the one thing I want to impart to my children in times like these?
The answer came quickly…
God is good. All the time.
The circumstances around us, no matter how horrific, do not change His character.
It’s beyond our human comprehension to grasp how a good God can allow bad things to happen. There are numerous views, many theological standpoints. We read the Bible and know it is because we live in a sinful world. But still, the questions come…how can God allow these horrible things to happen? If He were really good, wouldn’t He stop all the pain and suffering?
It reminds me of a question uttered in the garden long ago… “Did God really say…?” (Genesis 3:1)
And the answer is simple.
Yes, God really is good. He is good all the time. How do we know? Because His Word says that He is. And His Word will not return to Him void. His goodness is at the root of who He is. Even when our human minds cannot reconcile the current events with that spiritual reality. Even when some around us allow anger towards God to burn in their hearts. It does not change the truth:
“For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”
Psalm 100:5
Too often, our view of God is shaped by world events, rather than by His Word. The lie that God is not good is a dangerous one. It erodes our view of His very nature. It also says that what God says is not really true… that He is a liar. And that puts us in a precarious place of making our view of God based on what we think and not on His reality. That’s why I believe it is vital that we instill the importance of trusting in God and in His character in our children. I want my girls to know Him, to trust Him, no matter what life brings.
The Lord knows that we are frail humans who can only comprehend the tiniest glimpse of who He is. But He wants us to trust in His faithfulness:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the LORD.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
Isaiah 55:8-11
I’m thankful that as I write this, I can say that I really do believe that God is good all the time. I won’t ever understand everything that happens on this earth. But I know Him. I have seen His faithfulness, and I believe the truth found in His Word.
“God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.”
Psalm 46:1-3
“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”
Psalm 34:8
This post is linked to thought-provoking Thursdays at SomeGirl’s Website.
Yes….I needed this today. God is good….ALL the time! Love your sweet post….thankful I stopped by from Thought Provoking Thursday. I pray you will be blessed…..btw, Isaiah is one of my favorites….
Rebecca´s last [type] ..What Words do you not want to hear
Stopping by from TPT. That is a beautiful post. I can so relate. It has been the year of years here, and we are only 3 months into it. But God is so faithful, there is joy in our home in the midst of it all.
Terri G.´s last [type] ..Wordless Wednesday- Game faces
So true! I needed to read that. The word says He is good – that is the truth. The tragedy is the lie!
Cheryl@SomewhatCrunchy´s last [type] ..An Important Issue
True words! Not only is God good all the time – He has everything under control. Nothing is a surprise!
Melinda´s last [type] ..Sharing a Moment
Twitter: karenleigh14
says:
Great post! Yes, God is good all the time and this is a valuable lesson to teach to our children. My oldest was only 6 years old when 9-11 happened and I had the same thoughts as you did. I worried about how to explain it to her but I used the word of God to help her see that God is in control. I showed her testimonies of how God saved some people from being there that day. We all must remember that bad things do happen and they do happen to good people but nevertheless we must trust that God has us in the palm of His hand. That He has a plan and purpose for us and there is no reason to live in fear. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
btw, I found you through somegirl’s website linky =)
Karen Leigh´s last [type] ..Week 1 Day 2
Twitter: 2BeStill
says:
So absolutely true! God is good, all the time! The other part of this I have been focusing on with my boys is gratefulness. Right now even our littlest blessings are enormous when compared to what’s going on in Japan. I want them to remember to be thankful for a blanket to snuggle with, a place to sleep, friends who are safe, etc.
Wonderful post!
Shell´s last [type] ..Perspective
That was a beautiful post. And so true. I love the specific verses you used to remind us of these truths. Sometimes when there is so much chaos it is so easy to get stuck in the middle of it and not notice that God is right there too.
Thanks for this reminder,
Sherry
Excellent!!! thanks and love you!
Twitter: OvercomingBusy
says:
“Too often, our view of God is shaped by world events, rather than by His Word.” Those are powerful words, my friend. Words we need to remember.
Twitter: Butterfly_Genes
says:
Oh, Erin, what a beautiful post! So well said! When my Kiddo brings it up again (and he will), I will use some of these things to remind him of God’s goodness. All the time.
Heathahlee´s last [type] ..My Hero – a Repost
Very beautiful post. Thanks for stopping by my blog the other day and I had a great time meeting you in Greenville!
Kellyann W.´s last [type] ..Kites- Kites- Flying Overhead – DNG Review!
I love this post…and our kiddos see so much in how we respond….
“God is good always”
Kara´s last [type] ..Faith That Walks
Hi there =) I found you through the “most popular posts for the month of march” linky on Imperfect People. Your post really encouraged me. It’s so easy to become discouraged and burdened by our circumstances… I don’t think that I could ever get too many reminders that God truly is good all the time!
Ophelia Blom´s last [type] ..I Am – Nichole Nordeman
God is good all the time. Amen!
There is nothing that I could experience or that this world could endure that will change the fact that God is good, all the time. Thank you for sharing over at the Gypsy Mama so I could come here to read.
Twitter: grittyg
says:
loved your post Erin:) Definitely puts events in perspective when we look at God!
Love that these words stand the test of time.
He is so good – all the time! Aren’t we living in that goodness everyday?
Great to reinforce now, so when our “quaking” comes, we’ll hopefully live it! Thanks for sharing.