Psalm 119:68
You are good and do good…
“God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.” This is a common phrase among Christians and especially when we gather together. However, the question that’s been asked by those who oppose God is this: How can God be good and yet there is so much evil in the world. In fact, one skeptic makes what, on the face of it, looks like a compelling argument: “God cannot be both good and powerful and yet so much evil continues to exist. Either He is good but lacks the power to do anything about the evil bedevilling mankind, or He is powerful but just doesn’t care.” This is why every believer must be persuaded that God is good. Such that even in our own moments of troubles and when evil assails us, we can still stay, “You are good and what you do is good.”
How then do we reconcile the goodness of God and the prevalence of evil? First, we must appreciate that on account of the fall we now live in a broken world, and as a result, we will experience brokenness. Secondly, God has given man the ability to make free choices, and thus, we are affected by either the choices we make or the choices that other people make. If God were to alter every choice and its consequences, then the world as we know it would look very differently. However, God is moved by the plight of mankind as demonstrated when Jesus wept because of Martha and Mary’s sorrow. Knowing fully well that He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead (His power), Jesus still wept in anguish (His goodness). Ultimately, we know that God will bring this world to an end as we know it and usher in the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21). And not only that, but for those who love Him, He will work out everything for our good. Until then, even with tears and heavy hearts, with hope, we still say:
“You are good and you do good.”
Reflections
1. Have you ever doubted God’s goodness in your moment of pain?
2. In what ways can you equip yourself so that your faith is not shaken in the time of trouble?