3 Things to Remember When Life’s not Good
We hear it spoken. We see it on clothing and as a framed quote. It’s posted across social media.
Life is good.
The phrase rolls off our tongues and scatters across our devices. It takes the spotlight when our online friend or family member has a new boyfriend, a new pet, a new car or a new “something.”
Perhaps the words are in order when we land the ideal job, get a promotion, win a contest or an award, receive good news on medical tests, or anything that makes us feel on top of the world.
But what about when life’s not good? What then?
Good and Pleasant Things
Because if we put our hope in the ever-changing nature of real life, at the first hint of things going south, we won’t be on top of the world. No, we find ourselves at the bottom of the world—life’s pit of despair.
You see, I’ve never been a fan of the phrase. And here’s why, look at Merriam-Webster’s definition of good. “The pleasant things that happen to people.”
Oh, I want pleasant things to happen to me. I’m betting that so do you.
Sure, some days the pleasant things come. And I’m on cloud nine. But on other days, life’s pleasant things stay far away. Maybe they go on vacation or visit my neighbor.
Some days the good parts of #life go on vacation or visit a neighbor. #blog Share on XOr, the good things in life happen to all those friends on social media. You know…the friends sharing the wonderful news and picture to prove that it really happened. And she types the words in all caps and adds an exclamation point, LIFE IS GOOD!
Yet as Christians, our hope lies in God—who He is and His character. He’s a good Father with a never-changing nature. The Lord overflows with love, goodness, mercy, hope, peace, joy, compassion, patience, and kindness…all the things I need and want. The things that matter.
3 Things to Keep in Mind
So when life’s not good, we must remember to:
(1.) Change our perspective. Bad days don’t mean there won’t be good days. Life’s a mix of good days and bad days. The Bible never makes this promise, “Life is good.” Not even after we become Christ-followers. But God has promised good to us.
“Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living” Psalm 27:13 NLT.
“You crown the year with Your goodness, And Your paths drip with abundance” Psalm 65:11 NKJV.
(2.) Shift our focus. Switch from “Life is good” to “God is good.” Good is not something God does, but who He is. Life changes. God and His goodness never change.
“For I the Lord do not change” Malachi 3:6a ESV.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!” Psalm 136:1a NLT.
Good is not something #God does, but who He is. #life Share on X(3.) Live with expectation. God has plans for our good, brings good from all things, and He offers hope for good in our future. Our expectation is firmly rooted in God, not in life.
“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 NIV.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT.
God is Good
Change. Shift. Live.
And when we say or hear or see the phrase, Life is good. Let it remind us that life can’t be counted on. Sometimes life turns not so good.
But we can count on good things from God…things not of this world.
God is good.
We serve a good Father.
Which of the 3 areas: change our perspective, shift our focus, or live with expectation do you find the most difficult?
Images are of me and my twin sister, Sharon. Design and layout courtesy of Adobe Spark.
© 2017 by Karen Friday, All Rights Reserved
Post part of these link ups:
Lyli Dunbar/#FaithOnFire, Salt & Light, Crystal Twadell/Fresh Market Friday, Crystal Storms/Heart Encouragement, Meg Gemelli/GRITupAndGo, Suzanne Eller/Living Free.
What a great truth! Life may be good but it will most definitely be bad. However, God is always good! That is a fact that we can rest our souls in! Thank you for sharing! #Salt and Light
Summer, thank you for stopping by and commenting. And, yes, we can rest in the truth that God never changes and He is good. We serve a good Father. Blessings!
God is good. He is an awesome God! Thank you for sharing these words of inspiration!
Thanks, Robin. He is an awesome God. And while we can’t count on life to be good all the time, we can trust in God’s goodness…what matters most. Blessings! 🙂
I have to remind myself in the hard times how good God is. Thanks for your wisdom. Expecially, scriptures. One of my life strategies is to have scriptures memorized and ready for the times they are needed!
Loretta, thanks for your comment. I agree, knowing truth during hard times helps us remember who God is and His promises. Especially when we need to overcome the enemy’s lies. Blessings!
What sweet pictures of you and your sister. 🙂 —- A shift in perspective is so, so helpful, isn’t it Karen? Life isn’t always good by our (human) standard, but praise God, He’s promised to make all things work together for our good. He is good indeed! 🙂 Thanks for sharing, friend. Good to see you today. 🙂 ((hug))
Awe, thanks Brenda. Appreciate you stopping by and commenting. Your words ring true, may we remember “good” is often defined by our human standard AND remember to praise God for His goodness…for it’s everlasting. Blessings!
Great wisdom my friend. I love the 3 things to keep in mind. Amen! Hallelujah! It’s fun to hear someone else “preach” what you’re always trying to teach people. New perspective is so good. I’m visiting you from Meg’s #grit-up. And I am subscribing. I’m not sure why I haven’t yet! Have a beautiful week.
Thanks so much, Andy. Appreciate you subscribing. Yay! Grateful to be connected with you online after spending some time chatting at BRMCWC. 🙂 And, yes, perspective is important. Our hope lies in God and His character. We can’t separate goodness from who He is and it’s who He will always be…a good Father. Blessings and hugs!
Great post, Karen. I like all three suggestions, particularly “live with expectation.” Your photos are always a sweet glimpse into your life, and I love seeing them! Sharing this on FB and Twitter.
Thank you, Sarah. Yes, I pray we live with expectation that God has promised good to us! It’s truth we can walk in and depend on…unlike life. And appreciate you sharing, friend. Blessings!
I loved the reminder that good isn’t something God does, but rather, it’s who He is. Such an important distinction!
It is an important distinction, Sarah. Because when the good things in life go on vacation or visit a neighbor, and they will, remembering that God’s goodness stays with us 24/7 makes all the difference. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. 🙂
Good is nothing something He does, it’s who God is…AMEN. That’s the part that will stick with me the rest of the week Karen. Blessings lady.
Thanks, Meg. Yes! When I think about God’s attributes like goodness, mercy and love, each are a part of His character. They can’t be separated from who God is. God IS good. Period. 🙂
[…] If you need encouragement to pray for your children, maybe they’re your trial 🙂 you’ll be encouraged by Lori Hatcher in her post, Praying Eternity into our Children. If you feel you’re bombarded by problem after problem after struggle, Karen Friday gives great tips in her post, 3 Things to Remember when Life’s Not Good. […]