Life is Good vs. God is Good

Life is good. We hear it spoken. We see it on clothing, bags, hats, and as a framed quote. 

The phrase rolls off our tongues and scatters across our devices. 

It takes the spotlight when our online friend has 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?

Life is Good vs. God is Good

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 in 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 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.

Or, 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 the friends type the words in all caps and add an exclamation point, LIFE IS GOOD!

Yet as Christians, our hope lies in God, not in life. He’s a good, good Father with a never-changing nature. The Lord overflows with love, goodness, mercy, hope, peace, joy, compassion, patience, and kindness. The things that matter. And no matter what happens, God’s still good.

The Bible never promises, “Life is good.” Not even after we become Christ-followers. But God has promised good to us. Because God is good. Share on X

3 Ways to Remember God is Good

(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 promises, “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 only something God does, but also who He is. God can never not be good. 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 only something God does, but also who He is. God can never not be good. Life changes. God and His goodness never change. 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) Notice the promise is not that all things are good, but that all the things work toward our good.

 “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)

When Life is not Good, God is

Let’s change our perspective, shift our focus, and live with expectation that God’s still good. 

And when we hear or see the phrase, Life is good. Let it remind us that life can’t be counted on.

But we can count on God.

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?

Featured photos courtesy of Friday’s Forever on YouTube.

Last week’s post, Do You Know Kindness is Contagious?

Sometimes I participate in these link-ups: Let’s Have Coffee/Embracing the Unexpected (Grace & Truth).

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© 2025 by Karen Friday, All rights reserved