I have been asked this question more times than I could count. I’ve asked it myself numerous times. And the reality is I don’t necessarily have a satisfying answer. There have been too many difficult situations, hardships, and downright horrible times in life (either my own or others) to fully do the question justice. The reality is life is often anything but good.

But does that mean God is not good? It’s not an easy conundrum. Don’t get me wrong I know the “right” answers. “God is good all the time…all the time God is good”. It’s true, pithy, and memorable. Yet life is hard most of the time…most of the time life is hard. These two realities seem to be at odds, yet equally true. How can that be? Why is life so hard and difficult and anything but good, if God is good? That is what’s at the core of this question.

Here’s the thing: “God is good” means something.

Jacob Crouch

While there are many ways to skin this dilemma (and I happen to like how a few others address this question) the reality is any discussion on this point seems to do one of two things: lack empathy for those who are hurting in a tough situation, or under-appreciate the reality of who God is. That is why I appreciate Jacob Crouch’s article addressing the situations where people ask, “How Could a Good God?” He flips the question on its head and helps us see from a different angle.

READ THE ARTICLE

Are you going through a tough time? How did you read the article? Was it too dismissive of your pain and situation? Or did it bring hope? Are you experiencing joy and excitement right now in life? How did you understand the article? Did it bring a somber tone for you? I pray and hope you are encouraged and uplifted by this article and even more so by the God who is good even in the darkest places…as always be with the Lord’s people on the Lord’s day.

Until Next Time…

Photo by JOHN TOWNER on Unsplash