"And My people shall be satisfied with My goodness, says the LORD."
Jeremiah 31:14
Two college students were having a discussion about God. The talk soon turned into a debate. One student said, "I don't see how any rational person could believe in God. Look at all the bad things that happen to people the world over. Look at the news on television. I don't see many good things happening. If there is a God, I can't believe that such a God would be good." The other student said, "I believe in God, and I believe in His goodness. To the contrary, I don't see goodness in evil people. How can we blame God for the evil done by people?" Their debate continued for some time. It ended the same way it began. One student did not believe in God. The other one not only believed in God, but he trusted God's goodness.
God promised through the prophet Jeremiah that His people would be satisfied with His goodness. Experiencing God's goodness is known with satisfaction in those who have a covenant relationship with Him. He promises to do good for His people, those who trust in Him. God says, "And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from doing them good" (Jeremiah 32:40). God has bound Himself to all who trust in Him with an everlasting covenant promise. Those who continue to trust in God will experience His goodness.
It is well known that bad things may happen to anyone in this world, including God's people. Man's inhumanity to man is well established and long proven. However, through it all, God is working all things together for good to those who love Him, according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Unbelief says, "How could anyone believe in a good God? Look at all the evil in this world." Faith says, "Look at all the evil in this world. Through it all, God is working all things together for our good." Through all things, our unbelief will never change the goodness of God. Our faith will receive the goodness of God through all things.
Prayer: Father, we believe in Your goodness, even through the darkness of evil days. We receive Your goodness through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
