The song running through my heart this morning is “Goodness of God” by Jenn Johnson. It’s a melody of hope secured in this concept of God’s goodness; from the moment I wake up in the morning until I lay my head down at night. Despite the fire and the darkest nights, his goodness keeps running after me. These facts are true no matter what reality faces our day and what mountains are in our path.
“All my life You have been faithful
All my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
I will sing of the goodness of God.”
Today as I worship, my husband is in Seattle moving our son from his first apartment into his second apartment. There are mountains in this path and unavoidable logistics that have complicated what should be simple. Sometimes, we can’t see how tomorrow will unfold or how the pieces will fall into place. Faith and trusting in God’s goodness are concepts that must be learned. Even when it’s time to leave keys for one apartment before you have keys to the next one.
“You have led me through the fire
In the darkest night
You are close like no other
I’ve known You as a Father
I’ve known You as a Friend
And I have lived in the goodness of God”
The good news is that Daddy comes alongside to help move; friends from a former day provide a temporary space for belongings; and Mommy redeems hotel points to provide a free room for the night. Just like earthly fathers give good gifts to their children, so does our Heavenly Father (Matt. 7:11). Maybe the details didn’t come together quite as we expected or hoped or planned, but nonetheless there are answers for today. And through it all, despite our unresolved circumstances or needs, we learn that throughout all of our lives He is faithful and so good.
“I love You, Lord
For Your mercy never fails me
All my days, I’ve been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God”
I am walking in the stage of life where I can see God’s goodness in the rearview mirror and see the evidence of his presence in every area of my life. The evidence that He has met me powerfully before, builds confidence that He will meet me tomorrow too. But as parents now involved with the launching process, we are learning that faith is not something within our power to simply transfer to the next generation. We can only model trust and confidence in God’s goodness to our children while running alongside cheering them forward.
“With my life laid down
I’m surrendered now
I give You everything
‘Cause Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me.”
