And If Not, He Is Still Good
Our week started out poorly with no end in sight. Each child experienced some sort of ailment such as the flu, a broken wrist, or hurt feelings. My husband and I are beyond exhausted from parenting, work, and the day to day happenings of life. The school year began merely weeks ago and yet it feels as though the weight of it impacted us like a tidal wave, leaving us gasping for air, wondering, “what’s next God?”
If this sounds dramatic, it’s because it is. This is life. The beautiful thing is we get to do it with the very best village. We have a beautiful family and an incredible church community surrounding us at all times. And yet, even in the midst of these fulfilling relationships, we sometimes feel empty, lonely, and defeated.
God being the very best Father, blessed me with a beautiful graphic a couple of evenings ago by artist and author Ruth Chou Simons. She owns the company Grace Laced and uses her God-given creative talents to showcase God’s glory in things we consider simple or mundane. You may view some of her work by clicking here. The graphic was very simple and read:
And if not, He is still good.
In Daniel 3 we are told the famous story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. King Nebuchadnezzar commissions the building of a golden statue and forces people to worship it. The three men refuse and say this to the king:
“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if He does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”-Daniel 3:17-18
Translation: If God doesn’t do what we think He will do, we are still faithful to Him and only Him. Because He is what is good and right and true.
If you are having a week like mine and it seems like things just won’t let up, reflect on this:
And if not…
He is still good in my grieving…
He is still good in my aching…
He is still good in my longing…
He is still good.
Always and in all ways, He is still good. God does not want His children to experience trials and yet, like any good parent, He knows we will encounter them. He provides for us by showing up even in the midst of our sadness whether it’s through good friends, a kind word from a co-worker, or an Instagram graphic on someone’s page. God reminds us in the midst of adversity, He is still the good, consistent, reliable Father in whom we may rest. Praise God for His relentless love and faithfulness.
Until Sunday,
Tone
Director of GO & Communications