God’s Goodness Brings Good Cheer

By Christa Jaussi
@toolsforstruggle

There are times in life that are difficult.

I’m sure that no one is going to argue that statement is false with me, and maybe you’re even thinking – “Well duh, Christa.” And since we’re on the same page here and you’re already thinking that this isn’t some life altering statement, I won’t expound on the many possible ways that your life is difficult right now. I just want you to hold whatever is coming to mind with you throughout this article.

In my own head, I am holding the thing in my life that was difficult to me when my sister-in-law and I began doing Bible Study Plans on an app together a couple of months ago. I enjoyed how simple they were in that they have guided devotionals since my day to day seemed to be a whirlwind of children and their needs. It had been really hard for me to feel upbeat and cheery as we often do when things are difficult. My perspective started to shift when we did one on trusting God, and I was just sure that each day it was going to have a step of how we can trust in God like praying and reading our scriptures. I was really surprised when we started this Bible Study Plan and it went through the why’s of trusting God.

Each day we studied the characteristics of God and each day I was amazed at how when we know God, trusting him becomes a natural side effect. God is good. God is love. God is pure. God is truth. I dove little by little into the scriptures and it pierced me like I hadn’t felt in a while.

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

I don’t know what your difficult thing is, but let God’s words speak to your situation. Often our situations leave us feeling lost, but in Him we can be found. Let His goodness and love fill the cracks that are formed inside of us from the harsh experiences from mortality.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

God has nothing but good in store for me and I know that’s the same for you. Our focus can be through God’s eyes. This more often than not isn’t magically going to change our situations; that’s important to realize. Your depression or anxiety may not disappear. Your loved one may not recover. Your days may still seem long and hard.

There are times in life that are difficult.

Can difficulties and “good cheer” co-exist? It might not seem possible, but I’ve experienced it. Good cheer can be a part of our struggle and difficulties when we know (and not just know in our heads but when we know in our hearts) and see the goodness of God.

I read the Bible story about how God provided manna for the people of Moses in the wilderness for forty years. When you read through it, it can be easy to wonder why they were always complaining and think to yourself, “If that was me, I totally wouldn’t complain. I would listen to the prophet and do what I’m supposed to with good cheer.”

And yet – what forty years experiences do we each have that cause us to not see God and His goodness? I can think of plenty in my own life. We don’t always know how it will work out, and we can’t always say we’re going to enjoy the learning process of the difficulties in our life, but trust can come easier when we know God.

So, I’ll say it again.

There are times in life that are difficult.

And

There is always God’s goodness.

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