When you see beautiful things growing amid ugliness, not only surviving but thriving, doesn’t it amaze you? Does the picture above make you think of how that truth has at times been the same for you in your life? Do you sometimes feel like that flower growing in the midst of a broken mess, maybe only barely surviving?

. . . But survive you do.

I don’t know about you, but seeing life growing beautifully amid such chaos moves me to exclaim, “But God is good . . . Thank you, God!”

When, during a deep sadness I’m able to recognize God’s goodness, even just saying “But God is good” makes me feel better. The words help me realize the truth. God is good. Saying it helps me know it in the depths of my heart. My mood shifts.

Even when life doesn’t look so good—even when we’re in a dark or messy place—if we can somehow verbalize how good God is despite all we’re going through we will believe it. If we can say it while thinking back to those times when God was so obviously present for us it will be helpful. If we can remember those times we delighted in God, seeing the many ways he showed himself and his works to us, we will then truly believe that God is good. He was yesterday, he is today, and he always will be.

Though it may not be immediately evident, can you remember God’s goodness today? Think back to those times he helped make you aware of his love. Think about those days when you were healthier and happier. Do you remember them? Though you might be hurting, the God you remember from yesterday is the same God who is with you today.

The good news is that this God who is so full of deep love for us is, through Jesus Christ, feeling our pain along with us. Jesus knows us, understands us, and has compassion. We are definitely not alone.

Our God is good—so very good. And he is with us . . .  Always.

marja