The Goodness of God

On Sunday, I attended church in person.  I haven't done that much lately.  But a friend wanted me to, so I did.  I have struggled with many things over the last several months.  One thing I have struggled with is the limitations of current circumstances.  Despite those, I took a step and attended church with my family on Sunday.  I was engaged from the worship on.  God was speaking to me.  Sometimes I attend church and don't go expecting anything, but God, in His goodness, gives me something anyway.  That is one of the blessings He bestows on His children.

One of the songs we sang has lyrics that speak of God's faithfulness and goodness.  Then "with every breath that I am able I will sing of the goodness of God."  The goodness of God...  Have you experienced it?  Have you shared your experience with others?

In 2009, I found out I was pregnant with my third child.  My husband and I were very excited.  We had lost our first child in 2007, and had our firstborn (second child) in October of 2008.  We were excited but cautious in our hearts.  Our baby's due date was May 14, 2010.  I remember that we met up with our friends, and I was excitedly sharing how I was feeling with the wife.  Then on September 19, 2009, as we headed out on a long distance trip, my worst fear happened.  I coughed or sneezed and felt a gush.  My heart broke instantly.  I knew.  We turned around headed for the hospital.  To get a blood test to check my numbers.  But I knew.  At just over 6 weeks, we had to say goodbye again.  

It was a hard week.  It was a time of deep, soul-shaking mourning for me.  I was mad, hurt, upset, questioning.  My husband and I prayed, cried, talked, cared for our daughter.  We believed we were having a boy, and so we discussed names for him.  I searched my baby name book.  And then I found the perfect name for this amazing boy that God had given us so very briefly.  Tobias.  Tobias means God is good.  It was, for me, a statement of faith.  I had to step out in faith and say in a very concrete way that God is good.  It didn't feel like it at that very moment.  It hurt badly.  The wound was open and aching.  Yet, in my heart beyond that moment of pain, I knew that God is good.  I had seen it, lived it, experienced it.  I had walked in it.  I had walked through this pain before and gotten to the goodness of God again and again.  So our son was given the name Tobias to tell all those who hear of him that God is good.  He was given the middle name James in honor of my grandfather, Grandpa Jim.  A man who was a blessing to me for 17 years.

God is good.  Even when life hurts you.  God is good.  Even when the waters get rough.  God is good.  Even when you don't think you can get through another day filled with fear, worry, and anxiety.  God is good.  According to the aforementioned song, His goodness is running after me and you.  His goodness is pursuing us.  Even when we have our hard moments, He is steadfast in His goodness, grace, and mercy.  He is truly with us at all times.  We need to remember to praise Him at all times.  To pray continually...talk to Him, share your thoughts and concerns, tell Him what's on your mind, ask Him how to help your son or daughter, ask Him to strengthen your marriage, thank Him for all He does for you.

God's goodness will not fade away in the wash.  His goodness is here to stay.  Blessings, friends!