Are you seeing and feeling the goodness of God all around you? I hope so. But perhaps something is blocking your vision. Maybe it seems like the fog has rolled in, and you can’t quite see through it. Or, possibly, you find the blessing but fail to let it penetrate your heart.
How can we begin to see through the fog?
When the Goodness of God Seems Impossible
Will we always see God’s goodness, even on our worst days? It is doubtful unless you are superhuman. Sometimes, our pain will close our eyes to the truth. It has happened to me on a few occasions.
However, it doesn’t have to leave us in a pit of despair with nothing to do. At this time, we need to rely on what we know about God, not what we feel.
In these moments, it is the time to remember we trust our Lord. The article “How to Trust God in the Unexpected” might help if you are struggling.
We can believe and know there is a silver lining even when we can’t see it. Trust that God will bring good from your hardships.”
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
The goodness of God can rise out of tragic losses. It doesn’t mean we like the trial or the pain. Nor does it make the loss right. But it means God is in control and plans to bring blessings from a tragedy.
God will bring beauty out of everything to those who believe. TRUST in God’s goodness. It is there! Share on X“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
A Beautiful Reminder
Have you ever heard of Crater Lake in Oregon? It’s on my bucket list, not solely because of the beauty but because of what it represents.
Crater Lake formed over 7,700 years ago when a volcano erupted and collapsed. This volcano stood over 12,000 feet tall before it exploded, sending hot lava and volcanic ash on a path of destruction.
Yet, out of the ashes, this beautiful lake was formed.
Crater Lake has no running streams or rivers that run into it and relies solely on snow and rain. The water is crystal blue and deep, which brings a sense of awe as you look upon it.
God can do the same in our lives. He can bring beauty out of the most horrific circumstances. After all, He brought beauty out of ashes to form Crater Lake.
When We See but Don’t Feel the Goodness of God
Maybe you see God’s goodness, yet it isn’t penetrating your heart. Do you ever refuse to feel His goodness? Share on XWe can be good at counting our blessings, and it helps us look at life more positively. We see it, name it, and thank our Lord; it is good. However, there is still something missing.
Perhaps we are caught up in trying to earn God’s favor. We spin our plates so fast in hopes of pleasing God so that we will feel deserving. However, we don’t have to earn His love. He graciously gives it. Maybe we solely need a reset.
I attended a weekend retreat for moms with a child with a mental illness. I had no idea it would be a reset for me. After all, I have a habit of counting my blessings.
My Reset
This beautiful invitation appeared on my computer. It said, “Breathe,” and it was for Moms with a child with a mental illness. Kay Warren was the speaker and someone whom I admire. She is willing not to waste her pain and allows God to use her. Plus, she has a tremendous heart for giving.
Undoubtedly, the weekend would be informative and help me be a better giver in my ministry. My “yes” was about what I could learn and give away.
However, I doubted it would feel like a retreat. After all, I know the pain of watching a child suffer. How could a room full of hurting hearts equal a retreat kind of feel?
The Real Struggle
But the real struggle was settling into receiving instead of giving. It’s an ugly dance I tend to do with God and others. Do you do this, too? After exhausting all my pleas to let me help, I showed up as a participant.
I pulled up in my car, jumped out, and received a massive hug from Kay. My eyes began tearing up out of nowhere, and God loved me.
Now, I may be tiny in stature, but I pride (yes, that ugly word) myself on being capable. So when the nice man insisted on getting my suitcase, I began squirming in my shoes. Of course, I replied, “No, no, no – I can take my suitcase!” I am capable, and besides, it’s downstairs and only a little walk.”
I looked up at him; his face was kind but determined. Yet, this went against what I hold on to so tightly, “I can do it.” After a few seconds of struggling to be in control, I recognized I had no chance of winning the wrestling match. Plus, I was a guest and needed to be willing to go with the plan.
Walking step by step to my room was awkward, with me trailing behind the silly suitcase I wanted to carry. I admit – I’m usually the giver and not the receiver.
Moms often fall into the category of the giver, not the receiver. Do you allow others to give to you?” Share on XGod Works Through People
I met volunteers willing to offer their time to care for me one by one—providing delicious meals, prayers, and love. It penetrated my heart and brought emotions I hadn’t felt in a long time. I wasn’t sure why, but the tears kept flowing.
As I sat down on the last day to journal a letter to God – it became so apparent. It was much more than a blessing or a kind person. No, it was the goodness of God shining through His people and piercing my heart in a place that had somehow gone dark.
I was allowed to see and feel the goodness of God. He was drawing me in step by step. And no, I did not resist having my suitcase carried out when I left.
“The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.”
Psalm 145:9When we love others, His goodness flows through us to reach them. We must take in God’s love and pour it out to others. However, knowing this and doing it are two different things.
My prayer for us is when we struggle to see God’s goodness in our circumstances, we will turn to what we know –
OUR LORD IS TRUSTWORTHY.
I hope that as we see God’s goodness, we will let it penetrate deep down into our hearts and know we are loved. #goodnessofGod Share on XWhat would help you to start seeing and feeling the goodness of God? Do you need a reset? What has worked in the past?
Embracing 30 Days of Gratitude
Discover how unlocking the power of thankfulness can help draw you closer to God and bring more joy into your life! Our 30-day gratitude workbook includes daily gratitude prompts, scriptures/quotes, and a place to record your thoughts. Our journal will be available free in November.
Upcoming Talk: When Your Loved One Has a Mental Illness Is Change Possible?
Feeling stuck, discouraged, or unsure if things can ever improve? This talk is for you. Maree Dee, Founder of Embracing Faith & Mental Illness, invites you to explore:
- Practical tools to help you move forward with renewed hope.
- Steps to take when progress feels out of reach.
- How small changes can lead to meaningful breakthroughs.
Join us for this inspiring session via Zoom on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 9:00 AM (Mountain Time).
Embracing Faith & Mental Illness Community
Embracing Faith & Mental Illness is a Christ-centered online community for people who care for someone with a mental illness. We have four unique ways for caregivers to participate. You choose what works best for you.
Click here to discover four unique ways for caregivers to participate.
Crater Lake sounds like a beautiful place, though I’ve never heard of it.
I’m so glad you were allowed Kay and this gentleman to pour into you, friend. Thank you for the encouragement today.
Tammy,
I have never been to Crater Lake, but it is on my bucket list. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Blessings, Maree
I have never heard of Crater Lake. Thank you for sharing about it’s beauty despite it’s origin. Sounds like my life story. I have seen God turn ashes into beauty in every area of my life.
Crater Lake is pretty impressive. A little like my life too. I hope to get there this summer to visit. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. Maree
Oh my, this is beautiful. I’m blessed to have been touched by your words here.
Visiting today from G&T
Thank you. I am so glad that my words spoke to you. God’s goodness never ceases to amaze me. Maree
This is beautiful. Thank you for being so vulnerable and using your pain as Kay does.
Thank you for your kind words. I hope you have an awesome week. Maree
I am so guilty of barreling through life in oblivion to all the goodness of God. Thanks for reminding me to apply the brakes
Michele, You are so welcome. Your words struck a chord in me this morning. I tend to barrel through the Christmas holiday season and miss so much joy. Now to slow down and enjoy, not endure. Blessings, Maree
Oh, I can relate to wanting to prove myself capable. I’m slowly learning that that takes away from other people’s ability to bless someone (me).
Absolutely!! And we love to bless others, so why would we want to rob them of the joy. Maree
“Yet, this went against what I hold on to so tightly, “I can do it.” After a few seconds of struggling to be in control, I recognized I had no chance of winning the wrestling match”
these words resonated with me Maree! I do this with God!
Ps. I answered your query on Anita’s blog
Bless you,
Jennifer
Jennifer, I am so glad to know I am not the only one to wrestle with God. I am going to head over to Anita’s blog to see your reply. Maree
If you have never been to Crater Lake, I highly recommend it. One word of caution: it’s easy to walk from the rim of the crater DOWN to the lake, but much harder walking back UP to the rim of the crater! 🙂 One of the verses I think about when I don’t understand suffering is this: ” Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Beautiful post!
Laurie,
Thank you for adding that beautiful verse. I love it.
I am going to have to take a road trip to Crater Lake. Thank you for the tips because I would definitely want to see both the lake and the rim.
Maree
While reading your entire post, I kept thinking of this verse that has resonated oh so deeply with me over these past few years, “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living”. Psalm 27:13.
Also, even secular science acknowledges how thinking back to good times and good memories is the #1 thing that helps people, especially kids, make it through harder times. And God’s word tells us to meditate on these things and to talk about them with our children. Confirms everything you are saying here!
I, too, love that verse! I keep it close to my heart. Thank you for adding to our conversation. Happy Thanksgiving! Maree
I have had so many reminders lately to see God in the difficulties in life. Thank you for sharing this! It is so encouraging for me! And thank you for linking up @worthbeyondrubies!
Diane – I am so glad you are seeing God in the difficulties. Sending prayers and wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving. Blessings, Maree
Love this post! God’s goodness is in so many things around us—both the ‘small’ and the ‘big.’
It is incredible how God is so good. Thank you for stopping by, and I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving! Maree
Crater Lake in Oregon is a lovely place, Maree! My bucket list thing is thru-hicking the Appalachian Trail. This is such a great, encouraging post. Thanks for the reminders!
Tweeted.
Thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements!
Have you been to Crater Lake? If so, is it as beautiful as the pictures? I too, would love to hike the Appalachian Trail. Thank you for sharing. Maree
This is a wonderful reminder to see God in all things – even during the hard times. Thank you for your wisdom. Xo
Thank you for stopping and leaving me a comment. It is always so encouraging. Maree