Questions about God’s goodness typically come when people experience struggles in life. I remember a Bible class in which the professor told us that people so easily question the goodness of God when life is difficult, but not when they encounter something beautiful or joyful. Often, we do not stop to think about how the good things in life point us to the goodness of God.
Suffering and evil exist in our fallen world, but the holy and living God also gives us great beauty, love, and provision. In The Lord of the Rings, J. R. R. Tolkien skillfully describes the contrast between goodness and evil in the world.
As the elf Haldir told the Fellowship while they were in Lothlorien, “The world is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair, and though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps greater” (The Fellowship of the Ring).
Sometimes, when things are difficult in life, we forget that there is light and hope in the world because the Lord is still good even if our circumstances are not.
So, how can we remember God’s love and kindness when life is hard? Consider the following points:
1. God’s Creation Reminds Us of His Glory
When the Lord created the world, He declared that all creation was very good (Genesis 1:31). In the beginning, there was no death or suffering.
However, Adam and Eve disobeyed the Lord and ate from the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 3:6-7). Sin came into the world as a result, bringing death and suffering to all creation (Romans 5:12; 8:19-22).
Although the world is marred by sin, God’s creation is still beautiful. Nature testifies to the Lord’s existence, glory, and attributes (Romans 1:20; Psalm 19:1).
We can marvel at trees, the delicate petals of a flower, or the loving devotion of a dog because these things all point to the beauty and love of the Creator. Through the natural world, we can see evidence of God’s existence and His character.
The next time we experience hardship and start to question God’s goodness, we should take a walk outside, and notice the world He made for us.
Yes, problems and pain exist, but the loveliness of a cloud or breeze-swept leaves reminds us of the Lord’s attributes. We can see proof of His care through the world He formed.
2. Provision and Every Good Thing in Life Comes from the Lord
In addition to creation, provision in the form of sun, rain, and the ability to work all demonstrate the Lord’s goodness. In the Bible, we read about how God “causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
The provision of sun and rain is a loving gift from the Lord. Without light or water, we could not grow crops for food.
The ability to work, whether as a farmer or in a modern job position, is also a gift from God. He knows that there are basic necessities that people need to live (Matthew 6:31-32).
Hence, He provides the ability and opportunity to earn money to feed, house, and clothe ourselves and our families (Deuteronomy 8:18).
Not only does He provide us with the means of sustaining ourselves, but every good thing we receive in life comes from God (James 1:17). Anytime we enjoy and delight in something if it is not sinful, we can thank the Lord for that gift.
For example, we have life-saving medicines, exquisite paintings, music, delicious food, and technology, all because of God’s grace. Only because of Him is there anything good, lovely, or beautiful in the world.
When we are in pain and questioning why God would allow trouble in our lives, a small comfort or piece of beauty could help us remember the kindness of our Lord.
Even if we do not have much and are struggling to survive, a simple song, a warm meal given in love, or an act of mercy from another can remind us that our Lord cares for us.
As Gandalf said in the film The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, “I have found it is the small things, everyday deeds of ordinary folk, that keeps the darkness at bay. Simple acts of kindness and love.” Such small acts show others the love of Christ.
3. Christ Came to Die for Our Sins
Nature and provision for life remind us of God’s goodness, but so does Jesus’ sacrifice. A person might wonder what Jesus’ death on the cross has to do with their suffering or why it is relevant to the question of the Lord’s goodness and love.
However, the Bible shows us that the cross and the empty tomb are the ultimate examples of God’s love and provide the answer to the darkness in the world (1 John 3:16; 4:10).
Jesus suffered and died on the cross to pay the price of our sins (Romans 4:25; 2 Corinthians 5:21). The anguish He felt bearing the weight of all the world’s sins and experiencing separation from the Father was more terrible than we could ever imagine (Matthew 27:46; 1 Peter 2:24).
Christ is the Suffering Servant — “a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief” (Isaiah 53:3, NLT). If we ever think that the Lord does not understand our suffering, we need only look at the cross.
Furthermore, His love and goodness are demonstrated through His sacrifice. He endured the shame and pain of the cross because He loves us (Romans 5:8; Philippians 2:8). Humankind did nothing to deserve this love; Christ freely gave it to us.
Since God is good, He did not leave us in the darkness of sin and death. Instead, He provided an answer to our suffering.
Through Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection, death and sin were defeated (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). Those who trust in Christ receive freedom from sin’s enslavement and the gift of eternal life (John 3:16; Galatians 5:1).
One day soon, believers will no longer endure hardships and suffering, for He will wipe away all tears (Revelation 21:4). Death will no longer steal our loved ones away, and grief will not touch us. We will be free from the curse of sin (Revelation 22:3).
Meditating on what Jesus did for us can help us remember that He is good. The Lord could have left us in our desperate state but did not.
God the Son came to die in our place and gave us the offer of new life by trusting in His death and resurrection. Not only that, but He understands our struggles and empathizes with our pain. Our Savior is loving and good.
Why Does This Matter?
Circumstances change, bringing moments of joy and celebration, but also times of grief and despair. In every situation, though, one thing remains the same. Our Lord and Savior is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
If we ever need a reminder that He is loving, kind, and caring, we can look to the beauty of nature, God’s provision to all creation, and His loving act of sending His Son to die for us.
Darkness exists in the world, but God is still good. He will never change.
For further reading:
6 Things to Do When You Feel Overwhelmed by Suffering in the World
What Does the Bible Say about Hard Times?
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/SolStock
Sophia Bricker is a writer. Her mission is to help others grow in their relationship with Jesus through thoughtful articles, devotionals, and stories. She completed a BA and MA in Christian ministry, which included extensive study of the Bible and theology, and an MFA in creative writing. You can follow her blog about her story, faith, and creativity at The Cross, a Pen, and a Page.