Not safe, but good!

On Friday night while sitting at the dinner table, I had the joy of holding our little bundle while Mommy finished her mac & cheese.  Wanting to be a good dad, I sang to my son.  He laughed, not giggled, but laughed out loud.  Now if you have heard me sing, you would understand the humor in the the previous sentence.  This anecdote could demonstrate our child's advanced musical ability and discernment, which brings me great joy (and a possible opportunity to live vicariously through his skills - but I digress).  The actual point is that this was the second time that he laughed in this way.  The first time I was not around, but this time I had a front row seat.  The sound of his little belly laugh was too much.  Kirsten, myself, and our friend Splendid were in tears laughing at Trevor laughing!  Needless to say - my heart nearly burst with the joy of simple and good things from God. 

James reminds us that "every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."  Not only in Trevor's laugh do we see the goodness of God, but in so many areas that it would be far too long to share.  What is even more incredible about the goodness of God is that we can trust Him to be good, even when the situation in which we find ourselves seems to betray this very attribute.  Biblically speaking you can think of the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis, the life of Job, and even through the life, ministry, and death of Jesus Christ!  In each of these cases God worked the good for his own (Romans 8:28).

As we continue to press on through the different ministries, it would be lying to say that all is happening in rosey fields with puppies all around.  There are difficulties and struggles, but we trust that God is good and is working.  One last story to give you a better view...  Yesterday I led a service with two people present.  Imagine your church with only two people - you would, like me, feel broken-hearted because the community around is missing the One who can bring true joy; you may even feel a bit frustrated and ask the question, "is this even worth it?"  In that service I taught on 1 John 4:13-21 (read it for yourself).  In the passage it speaks to the confidence the Christian can have because of the work of Christ and indwelling Holy Spirit on the day of God's judgment.  It so happened that one of the two in attendance stated that this was her great fear in life.  I don't know if she was instantly made to be at peace, but she was reminded of the One in whom she has trusted - the one and only True, Good God!

Two points to take home.  One, how well do you delight in the little moments?  Do you see even those as good gifts from God?  Two, if you have placed your faith in our Good God you can trust Him even when, due to the scene around you and your circumstances, you doubt his goodness!  If you have not trusted Him, would you at least consider this Good God today?