TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE

DEVOTIONAL

by Elder Chris Beltran

During praise and worship time, we often hear the worship leader say the words, “God is good,” and the audience would answer, “All the time!” Then the leader would reply, “and all the time,” the audience responds, “God is good!” But what exactly does the slogan mean?

“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” (Rom. 8:28). Some interpret this verse as if Paul was pertaining to material blessings, perfect body health, the fulfillment of dreams, or even freedom from problems. However, what if God doesn’t heal us immediately or give us all those things that we ask of Him? Does it make God “not good?” This kind of understanding is an example of man-centered, narcissistic, feel-good Christianity.

The context of Romans 8:28 was at the time of violent persecution of Christians in Rome. Paul says that all things work together for good, even the persecutions. Why? Because even the evil of wicked oppression, including betrayal of friends, martyrdom, and more, was part of fulfilling God’s purpose for the church. The church grew even stronger during the persecution, like gold in its rough and impure form, needing to undergo intense fire for the unwanted elements to melt away and for purification into its highest value. God purposefully allows us to go through the fire of testing and trials to take away unwanted elements like pride, selfishness, and worldly virtues to purify us and to present us as shining gold with a pure heart—Christlike character bearing the fruit of the Spirit.

God’s goodness is not known by just reading about it. It must be experienced personally. It is not recognized by researching on Google or podcasts. It is primarily known through the fire—difficult circumstances that are beyond our control. David said that God is good not because he was problem-free but because every time enemies chased him, God delivered him from their hands. Abraham had to go through the fire of faith-testing when God asked him to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. 

Moreover, Daniel had to go through Lion’s den. Joseph, on the other hand, had to go through 13 years of mistreatment; he was jailed and became a slave. Lastly, Stephen was stoned to death after testifying about Jesus as the Messiah. With all these, can we still say that “God is good?” Yes, He is and will always be good! In Psalm 34:19, God promises to deliver the righteous from all difficulties. However, we can still rejoice even if He chose not to; through Jesus, we have the assurance of our ultimate deliverance; it may not be in this life but in the life to come.

Only when things are beyond us, we are humbled and stripped of our pride and self-interest, can we be entirely dependent on His grace and mercy. We can genuinely say, “God is good all the time!” He is good; nothing is evil in Him. He hears and answers prayers. He provides for our needs and not necessarily for our wants. Those who fear Him lack nothing (Psa. 34:10). God is good not because of what He can or will give us but because of who He is; He is Good all the time.

REFLECTION

The lyrics of Don Moen’s “God is good” states: “Through the darkest night, His light will shine. God is good! God is good all the time. If you’re walking through the valley and there are shadows all around. Do not fear. He will guide you. He will keep you safe and sound. ‘Cause He’s promised to never leave you, nor forsake you, and His Word is true.“

PRAYER

Lord, I often have an unbiblical view of why You are good. If you answer my prayers according to how I want it to happen, then I consider You as good. Forgive me for this self-centered view. You are good all the time because that is who You are––a faithful, loving, and good God. Through this, I am confident that as I put my trust and hope in You, Lord, You have my best interest in mind. I pray this in Christ’s name, amen.