Will You See the Goodness of God?

Are you seeing and feeling the goodness of God all around you? I hope so. But perhaps something is blocking your vision. Maybe it seems like the fog has rolled in, and you can’t quite see through it. Or, possibly, you find the blessing but fail to let it penetrate your heart. 

How can we begin to see through the fog?

When the Goodness of God Seems Impossible

Will we always see God’s goodness, even on our worst days? It is doubtful unless you are superhuman. Sometimes, our pain will close our eyes to the truth. It has happened to me on a few occasions. 

However, it doesn’t have to leave us in a pit of despair with nothing to do. At this time, we need to rely on what we know about God, not what we feel.

In these moments, it is the time to remember we trust our Lord. The article “How to Trust God in the Unexpected” might help if you are struggling. 

We can believe and know there is a silver lining even when we can’t see it. Trust that God will bring good from your hardships.”

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 
2 Corinthians 5:7 

The goodness of God can rise out of tragic losses. It doesn’t mean we like the trial or the pain. Nor does it make the loss right. But it means God is in control and plans to bring blessings from a tragedy. 

God will bring beauty out of everything to those who believe. TRUST in God’s goodness. It is there! Click To Tweet

“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 

A Beautiful Reminder

Have you ever heard of Crater Lake in Oregon? It’s 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 running streams or rivers that run into it and relies solely on snow and rain. The water is crystal blue and deep, which brings a sense of awe as you look upon it.  

God can do the same in our lives. He can bring beauty out of the most horrific circumstances. After all, He brought beauty out of ashes to form Crater Lake.

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 refuse to feel His goodness? Click To Tweet

We can be good at counting our blessings, and it helps us look at life more positively. We see it, name it, and thank our Lord; it is good. However, there is still something missing.  

Perhaps we are caught up in trying to earn God’s favor. We spin our plates so fast in hopes of pleasing God so that we will feel deserving. However, we don’t have to earn His love. He graciously gives it. Maybe we solely need a reset. 

I attended a weekend retreat for moms with a child with a mental illness. I had no idea it would be a reset for me. After all, I have a habit of counting my blessings.

My Reset

This beautiful invitation appeared on my computer. It said, “Breathe,” and it was for Moms with a child with a mental illness. Kay Warren was the speaker and someone whom I admire. She is willing not to waste her pain and allows God to use her. Plus, she has a tremendous heart for giving. 

Undoubtedly, the weekend would be informative and help me be a better giver in my ministry. My “yes” was about what I could learn and give away. 

However, I doubted it would feel like a retreat. After all, I know the pain of watching a child suffer. How could a room full of hurting hearts equal a retreat kind of feel? 

The Real Struggle

But the real struggle was settling into receiving instead of giving. It’s an ugly dance I tend to do with God and others. Do you do this, too? After exhausting all my pleas to let me help, I showed up as a participant.

I pulled up in my car, jumped out, and received a massive hug from Kay. My eyes began tearing up out of nowhere, and God loved me.   

Now, I may be tiny in stature, but I pride (yes, that ugly word) myself on being capable. So when the nice man insisted on getting my suitcase, I began squirming in my shoes. Of course, I replied, “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 face was kind but determined. 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. Plus, I was a guest and needed to be willing to go with the plan.  

Walking step by step to my room was awkward, with me trailing behind the silly suitcase I wanted to carry. I admit – I’m usually the giver and not the receiver.  

Moms often fall into the category of the giver, not the receiver. Do you allow others to give to you?” Click To Tweet

God Works Through People

I met volunteers willing to offer their time to care for me one by one—providing delicious meals, prayers, and love. It penetrated my heart and brought emotions I hadn’t felt in a long time. I wasn’t sure why, but the tears kept flowing.

As I sat down on the last day to journal a letter to God – it became so apparent. It was much more than a blessing or a kind person. No, it was the goodness of God shining through His people and piercing my heart in a place that had somehow gone dark.

I was allowed to see and feel the goodness of God. He was drawing me in step by step. And no, I did not resist having my suitcase carried out when I left. 

“The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.”  
Psalm 145:9

When we love others, His goodness flows through us to reach them. We must take in God’s love and pour it out to others. However, knowing this and doing it are two different things. 

My prayer for us is when we struggle to see God’s goodness in our circumstances, we will turn to what we know –

OUR LORD IS TRUSTWORTHY.

I hope that as we see God’s goodness, we will let it penetrate deep down into our hearts and know we are loved. #goodnessofGod Click To Tweet

What would help you to start seeing and feeling the goodness of God? Do you need a reset? What has worked in the past?

 

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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 four unique ways for caregivers to participate. You choose what works best for you. Click the graphic to discover what we have to offer.

 Click here to discover four unique ways for caregivers to participate.

Upcoming Talk | Mental Health

How to Help Someone in a Mental Health Crisis

As a caretaker of a loved one with mental health struggles, you often carry more than your fair share of the weight out of love. Sometimes, this can impede healing. Learn from our guest, Darcia Fuqua, how to introduce responsibility, accountability, and independence on the healing journey. She will pull from her experience in a mental hospital and walk us through scripture on what it means to “carry each other’s burdens.”

When you register, you will receive a link from Zoom and again on the day of the talk.

Meeting Time Saturday, June 01, 2024: 8 – 9:30 am (Pacific Time) | 9 – 10:30 am (Mountain Time) | 10 – 11:30 am (Central Time) | 11 am – 12:30 pm (Eastern Time)