Wednesday December 30, 2020

As I enter into this time of prayer and reflection, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly; to recenter my scattered senses upon the presence of God.

Lord, please help me to be still and listen for what you have to say to me in these quiet moments.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.

Psalm 118:1

“God is good, all the time. And all the time, God is good.” This is a familiar church chant, often used as a call and response, from pulpits, in youth ministries, and between believing friends. I believe it to be true with my whole heart. God is indeed, good, all the time. So what does this mean when my life is not so good? What does it mean when 300,000+ people die in the US, from a virus? When my loved one dies? When I am sick? When my family is barely making it? When the world seems a mess?

It means God is with you, with us, with your neighbor. God is working for the good of all of us. God is bigger than our greatest loss. God endures with us. God weeps with us. God longs for us to have all goodness, all joy, all peace. And it means life happens. Disease, loss, pain, and suffering happen. It means we grieve, we struggle, we weep, we get angry, maybe even angry with God. And yet… God steps in to walk with us, guide us, love us. God remains good, and we can count on the goodness of God to carry us through.

Reflect on the ways God has worked in your life this year, despite any loss or hardships. Perhaps God even worked in spite of or through your difficult circumstances. Did you notice it at the time? Did you miss it? How do you experience God as good, all the time?

When you are finished with your time of reflection, close out this time with this prayer. 

Good and beautiful God, Forgive me for the ways that I have missed your goodness, your work in my life. Forgive me for not always seeing you, turning toward you, and trusting you. I seek to remember your goodness, Lord. I seek to follow you, despite my circumstances. Remind me that you are with me in the grieving, in the struggle, in the anger, frustration and pain. Remind me that I can trust you, Lord, that you are good, working for my good, even when I can’t see it. Please help me, Jesus. Amen.