Sometimes our pain blinds us to the goodness of God. The fog rolls in so thick we can barely see the next step, let alone His hand at work.
When the Goodness of God Seems Impossible
In those moments, feelings make a poor compass. We cling instead to what we know—that God is faithful, trustworthy, and still working even when we cannot see it.
Knowing doesn’t erase the heartache. It doesn’t make the loss right. But it reminds us that our story isn’t finished yet.
In these moments, we need to remember that we trust our Lord. If you’re struggling to do that right now, my article “How to Trust God in the Unexpected” may encourage you.
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7, ESV)When feelings cloud our vision, faith reminds us what we already know: God is still faithful, still present, and still at work. #WalkByFaith #GoodnessOfGod Share on X
Even in our darkest seasons, God can bring beauty from broken places. The proof isn’t always immediate, and the blessing may not look like we expected. Yet we can trust that He is still at work and plans to bring good out of the pain.
“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.” (Romans 8:28, NIV)
And sometimes, His goodness appears where we least expect it.
A Beautiful Reminder
Have you ever heard of Crater Lake in Oregon? Visiting is on my bucket list, not solely because of the beauty but because of what it represents.
Crater Lake formed over 7,700 years ago when a volcano erupted and collapsed. This volcano stood over 12,000 feet tall before it exploded, sending hot lava and volcanic ash on a path of destruction.
Yet, out of the ashes, this beautiful lake was formed.
Crater Lake has no streams or rivers flowing into it; the lake relies solely on snow and rain. The water is crystal blue and deep, inspiring awe as you look upon it.
God can do the same in our lives. He can bring beauty out of the most horrific circumstances.
This lake is a beautiful reminder that something breathtaking can emerge from devastation. In much the same way, God can bring beauty, healing, and purpose out of the hardest seasons of our lives.
God specializes in bringing beauty from broken places. What looks like devastation today may become tomorrow’s testimony. #TrustGod #BeautyFromAshes #GoodnessofGod Share on X
When We See But Don’t Feel the Goodness of God
Maybe you see God’s goodness, yet it isn’t penetrating your heart. Do you ever struggle to receive His goodness?
For years, I was good at counting my blessings. I could identify God’s goodness and thank Him for it. Yet somewhere along the way, I realized I wasn’t fully receiving it. God showed me this during a retreat for moms of children with mental illness.
We can become skilled at counting our blessings, and it helps us look at life more positively. We see them, name them, and thank our Lord for them. Yet sometimes there is still something missing.
Perhaps we become caught up in trying to earn God’s favor. We spin our plates faster and faster, hoping to please Him and somehow feel deserving. Yet we don’t have to earn His love. He freely gives it.
Sometimes God’s goodness isn’t hidden from our eyes—instead, we block the blessing from reaching our hearts. #GoodnessofGod Share on XSometimes we need a reset.
My Reset
One day, a beautiful invitation appeared on my computer. It simply said, “Breathe.”
The retreat was for Moms with a child of any age who struggles with a mental illness. Kay Warren was the speaker. I’ve long admired her willingness to let God use her pain to help others. Her heart for serving people shines brightly.
I immediately said yes.
I expected the weekend to be informative and filled with practical wisdom I could use in my ministry. My “yes” centered around what I could learn and share with others.
What I didn’t expect was to receive.
After all, I know the ache of watching a child suffer. How could a room full of hurting hearts feel like a retreat?
The Real Struggle
Attending wasn’t the hard part.
Learning to receive instead of give—that was the real struggle.
It’s an awkward dance I sometimes do with God and others. Maybe you do it too.
After exhausting my volunteer requests, I joined as a participant.
I pulled up in my car, stepped out, and before I could gather my bearings, Kay wrapped me in a hug. My throat tightened. Tears stung my eyes.
Somehow, before either of us spoke a single word, I felt seen and loved.
Now, I may be tiny in stature, but I pride (yes, that ugly word) myself on being capable.
So when a kind gentleman insisted on carrying my suitcase to my room, I began squirming in my shoes. I blurted out, “No, no, no – I can take my suitcase!” I am capable, and besides, it’s downstairs and only a little walk.”
I looked up at him. His expression was kind but determined.
After a few seconds of struggling to be in control, I recognized I had no chance of winning the wrestling match.
Instead, I followed behind it.
Step by step, I trailed that silly suitcase down the hallway, feeling strangely uncomfortable because someone else was caring for me.
Sometimes receiving God’s goodness requires more surrender than serving others. #FaithJourney Share on XThe Goodness of God Works Through People
One by one, volunteers appeared with warm meals, gentle prayers, and quiet acts of kindness.
Every time someone cared for me, the tears came again.
I couldn’t quite explain it.
Then, on the final day, sitting with my journal, the realization washed over me.
It wasn’t just the meals.
The prayers mattered too.
Yet even the kindness wasn’t the whole story.
God was meeting me through His people.
The goodness I had been thanking Him for all along suddenly sank beneath the surface and settled deep into my heart.
God’s goodness isn’t meant to stop at our minds. He wants it to settle deep within our hearts. #Faith #GoodnessOfGod Share on XI wasn’t simply counting blessings.
I was receiving the goodness of God. He was drawing me step by step.
And yes, when it was time to leave, I didn’t argue when someone carried my suitcase.
“The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.”
(Psalm 145:9, KJV)
My prayer is that when life becomes difficult and God’s goodness feels hidden, we will cling to what we know.
OUR LORD IS TRUSTWORTHY.
And when His goodness appears through a kind friend, a warm meal, a prayer, or an unexpected act of love, I pray we will receive it.
Not just see it.
Receive it.
Perhaps today you can clearly see God’s goodness.
Or perhaps pain has clouded your vision.
Either way, remember this truth:
God’s goodness has not disappeared simply because you cannot feel it.
Trust Him in the fog.
Receive His love when it comes through others.
And allow His goodness to sink deeply into your heart.
God’s goodness has not disappeared simply because you cannot feel it. Trust Him in the fog. #TrustGod #GodsGoodness Share on XWhat would help you start seeing and feeling the goodness of God today?
Embracing 30 Days of Gratitude: A Grateful Heart Pause
Discover how pausing with a thankful heart draws you closer to God and fills your days with deeper joy. This 30-day gratitude workbook includes daily prompts, inspiring scriptures and quotes, and space to reflect on God’s goodness.
Summer Break
Our Valuable Talks series is taking a break for the summer.
We look forward to resuming presentations in September, with registration opening in August.
In the meantime, many of our previous presentations are available to watch anytime in our store.
Embracing Faith & Mental Illness Community
Embracing Faith & Mental Illness is a Christ-centered online community for people who care for someone with a mental illness. We have five unique ways for caregivers to participate. You choose what works best for you.
Click here to discover five unique ways for caregivers to participate.
Wow, this was an excellent post. It’s about fully receiving His goodness and truth into the depths of our being… Down to the marrow of our bones.
Michelle, God is truly wonderful. I hope you’ve been feeling His goodness deep within your heart. It’s so lovely of you to stop by and share. Warm wishes, Maree
Crater Lake sounds like a beautiful place, though I’ve never heard of it.
I’m so glad you were allowed Kay and this gentleman to pour into you, friend. Thank you for the encouragement today.
Tammy,
I have never been to Crater Lake, but it is on my bucket list. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Blessings, Maree
I have never heard of Crater Lake. Thank you for sharing about it’s beauty despite it’s origin. Sounds like my life story. I have seen God turn ashes into beauty in every area of my life.
Crater Lake is pretty impressive. A little like my life too. I hope to get there this summer to visit. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. Maree
Oh my, this is beautiful. I’m blessed to have been touched by your words here.
Visiting today from G&T
Thank you. I am so glad that my words spoke to you. God’s goodness never ceases to amaze me. Maree
This is beautiful. Thank you for being so vulnerable and using your pain as Kay does.
Thank you for your kind words. I hope you have an awesome week. Maree
I am so guilty of barreling through life in oblivion to all the goodness of God. Thanks for reminding me to apply the brakes
Michele, You are so welcome. Your words struck a chord in me this morning. I tend to barrel through the Christmas holiday season and miss so much joy. Now to slow down and enjoy, not endure. Blessings, Maree
Oh, I can relate to wanting to prove myself capable. I’m slowly learning that that takes away from other people’s ability to bless someone (me).
Absolutely!! And we love to bless others, so why would we want to rob them of the joy. Maree
“Yet, this went against what I hold on to so tightly, “I can do it.” After a few seconds of struggling to be in control, I recognized I had no chance of winning the wrestling match”
these words resonated with me Maree! I do this with God!
Ps. I answered your query on Anita’s blog
Bless you,
Jennifer
Jennifer, I am so glad to know I am not the only one to wrestle with God. I am going to head over to Anita’s blog to see your reply. Maree
If you have never been to Crater Lake, I highly recommend it. One word of caution: it’s easy to walk from the rim of the crater DOWN to the lake, but much harder walking back UP to the rim of the crater! 🙂 One of the verses I think about when I don’t understand suffering is this: ” Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Beautiful post!
Laurie,
Thank you for adding that beautiful verse. I love it.
I am going to have to take a road trip to Crater Lake. Thank you for the tips because I would definitely want to see both the lake and the rim.
Maree
While reading your entire post, I kept thinking of this verse that has resonated oh so deeply with me over these past few years, “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living”. Psalm 27:13.
Also, even secular science acknowledges how thinking back to good times and good memories is the #1 thing that helps people, especially kids, make it through harder times. And God’s word tells us to meditate on these things and to talk about them with our children. Confirms everything you are saying here!
I, too, love that verse! I keep it close to my heart. Thank you for adding to our conversation. Happy Thanksgiving! Maree
I have had so many reminders lately to see God in the difficulties in life. Thank you for sharing this! It is so encouraging for me! And thank you for linking up @worthbeyondrubies!
Diane – I am so glad you are seeing God in the difficulties. Sending prayers and wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving. Blessings, Maree
Love this post! God’s goodness is in so many things around us—both the ‘small’ and the ‘big.’
It is incredible how God is so good. Thank you for stopping by, and I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving! Maree
Crater Lake in Oregon is a lovely place, Maree! My bucket list thing is thru-hicking the Appalachian Trail. This is such a great, encouraging post. Thanks for the reminders!
Tweeted.
Thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements!
Have you been to Crater Lake? If so, is it as beautiful as the pictures? I too, would love to hike the Appalachian Trail. Thank you for sharing. Maree
I have been to Crater Lake, many years ago. It is everything you said plus!
It is breathtakingly Beautiful!
This is a wonderful reminder to see God in all things – even during the hard times. Thank you for your wisdom. Xo
Thank you for stopping and leaving me a comment. It is always so encouraging. Maree