Bishop, W. F. Houston, Jr. (CHOF Ministry)
WordPress Contributor
Many times we hear the phrase, “God is good.” It’s used in songs, sermons, praise and worship services and it’s sometimes used as a response when both good and bad things happen in our lives, for example: a person who avoids a disaster during a flood, hurricane, tornado or a vehicle accident. Other examples are good things that happen to people, like situations aligning perfectly for them to buy a home or replace their old truck or when a major surgery has been complete and previously things looked very bad for the home team. In all these things, we often say, “GOD IS GOOD.”
Now, according to Oxford Living Dictionaries, the definition of “God” is the creator and ruler of the universe and source of all moral authority; the supreme being”. Now, there may be some of you out there asking: Bishop Houston, isn’t He more than this?
“WELL I’M GLAD YOU ASKED? Beloved, God is good in so, so, so many ways. The way He provides for us, the way He guides us, and the way He watches over us just to name a few. But it goes even deeper than that. God’s goodness is who He is, and we’re created in his image, so, consequently, we share His goodness. God’s goodness shows up in our lives every single day. Although many times we think of His goodness when something great occurs, His goodness proliferates all the time!!! During all hours, minute, and seconds of the day, even during the smallest things that are affecting our everyday life.
*Luke 18:19
“Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good”
*God is Good Because He Wakes Us Up
Beloved, each day that God wakes us up is an illustration of His goodness. This means we’re still working and walking on to correct path toward the purpose and gifts He has given us. It shows us that He isn’t finished with us yet and that we still have an assignment to complete. We shouldn’t moan and complain about getting out of bed and going to work. We should be happy that we’re still breathing and living for Him. Many people are in inferior conditions and situations than us who need to see our light glowing in the world every day.
Psalm 143:8
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.”
*God is Good Because He Saturates Us with His Compassionate Love
Ephesians 1:9
“God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ-which is to fulfill his own good plan.”
*God is Good Because He Safeguards Us
Beloved, we’ve all heard about a person who had car trouble and missed being in a huge pile-up on an interstate. We’ve all heard about the virus/cancer discovery that almost didn’t happen due to an appointment that was almost missed. These are the noteworthy ways He protects us, but He works in the lesser things too: for example, the gossip that’s going around that never reaches your ears or the coworker that’s trying to sabotage you but your boss, instead, sees the honest and hard work that you do. These are all ways He safeguards us every day.
Jeremiah 29:12
“Then you will call on Me and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear [your voice] and I will listen to you.”
*God is Good Because He Talks to Us When We Pray
Prayer is the best and strongest connection to God. It is how we acknowledged our appreciation and gratefulness, make our requests known, and intercede for others. Sometimes we get an answer of “yes,” sometimes, “no” and sometimes, “wait.”
Sometimes, He gives us specific instructions and, sometimes, He is silent. Other times, He speaks to us and provides us with an answer in the most surprising of ways. No matter what, He always answers, and we need to look for those answers every day. Regardless of the size of the issue He’ll often stimulate our hearts (mind and passion), attracting our attention toward the correct route.
Psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you [who are willing to learn] with My eye upon you.
*God Is Good Because He’s Our Great Leader and Instructor
Beloved, we make a thousand diminutive choices every day, everything from determining whether we’ll do our job assiduously or whether to take on a client. Sometimes, we must determine whether an opportunity is correct for us and if we should follow a specific path. Beloved, it’s in these moments, God is leading and instructing us. We need to stop, inhale and exhale while we pay attention. Are we in the correct frame of mind? Do we have the proper desire? Do we have the intestinal fortitude?
Beloved, we need to be tranquil and listen to that small voice we know so well. Listen to Him whispering to our hearts (mind and passion) about what options are correct for us. Be very attentive to the signs He sends us. This is His way of leading, instructing us and stimulating us to desire to be our best selves, so that we may live in the gifts and blessings we have been given and the purpose He has for us.
Beloved, are you too busy and see the signs of God’s goodness in your life?
Let Us Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank You for allowing me to wake up once again. Please help me to slow down in the midst of my busy life. Allow me to see Your goodness every day, in every way no matter how big or small. Help me to acknowledge Your blessings immediately when they are poured out upon me. Thank You for Your protection and guidance. Help me to listen carefully and discern Your voice uttering to my heart (mind and passion) in answer to my prayers. Rejoice in my happiness when You say yes, help me see the reasons why You say, “no,” and give me the patience and wisdom I need for when you say, “wait.” Help me to walk in alignment to Your goodness and shine it into the world for all who need it. Allow me to see the abundance of Your goodness in my life, and others lives every day.
In Jesus name I pray,
Amen and Amen.