Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever. – 1 Chronicles 16:34 NLT
These words were a part of David’s song of praise as the Ark of the Covenant was returned to Jerusalem. It was a celebration more than 70 years in the making. To David and the people of Israel, this marked the return of the presence of God to their cultural center of worship. In other words, it was a really big deal!
While David had even greater plans for the future, it quickly became clear that he wouldn’t get to see those dreams fulfilled. He had no choice but to pass the torch to his son Solomon and trust that he would see those plans through to completion (see 1 Chronicles 22:6-16).
God Is Good Even When Our Circumstances Are Not
Even though David’s plans were interrupted and changed, he still found a reason to praise God. David’s praise was not dependent on the outcome of his plans. He didn’t let his disappointment stand between him and his praise of God. He knew that the goodness and love of God were all the reasons he needed to be thankful. He also knew that God’s love is faithful and doesn’t change with our circumstances. It endures forever.
God’s love doesn’t change because God Himself doesn’t change. James 1:17 helps us see that with these words: “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow” (NLT). He is good and He always stays the same, even when times get hard.
Praising God Helps Us Find the Good in the Midst of Hard Times
As I write these words, my family and I are walking through some hard times. Our plans have been interrupted in one of the worst ways possible. My father-in-law is in the midst of a very unexpected and serious battle with metastatic cancer. That’s not good, but what God is doing through these circumstances is good.
My father-in-law continues to serve on our church worship team, and his dedication is inspiring others to praise God through hard times. His illness has given our family a renewed commitment to spending time together and making the most of each moment. His faith has reminded us all that we worship a good God of miracles who is our Great Physician and an ever-present help in times of trouble. There are some really good things taking place in the midst of some really hard moments.
All of this helps us to see that God is using the hard things to do really amazing work in our family and in our church. We are growing closer with each other and closer to Him. We are seeing the words of Romans 8:28 come to life: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them” (NLT). So while our plans may change and the future may be uncertain, I am thankful that God will continue to love us through it all—and that will never change.
A Prayer of Thanks for God’s Goodness
Thank You, God, for Your unfailing, unchanging love. I know that my circumstances won’t always be good, but You always will be. Thank You for the good work You are doing right now. Help me to see Your goodness and love in the midst of both good times and bad. Amen.
