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God is Good, Right?



A year and a half ago, this puppy chose us to be his parents; we named him Troop. He stole our hearts and brought us joy, but what we didn't know was that he was born with some problems. We can look back now and see the effects of those problems, but at the time we didn't know that each event was connected. His last accident affected him in a way that he couldn't recover and we had to say goodbye…two days before my birthday. 

I know God well enough that I have confidence He is good and everything He does is good…so my dog dying is good? I wouldn't necessarily classify a death of a loved one as a good thing, but I can say it's good that he doesn't hurt anymore and that his life was good. I can say every memory I have of him was joyful and happy; his impact on our lives was good. He taught us more about love, leading and joy in every circumstance, and that was good. I know God brought him into our lives to show us a greater capacity of love; He didn't bring Troop to us so that we would feel pain…He brought us Troop to show us what was possible. Troop needed a special caretaker to be kind and gentle, and we needed Troop to remind us of light and joy. The sadness of his passing can't overshadow the goodness of his life. 

That's how God is…the trials of life are not bigger than His love for us. The light He brings to every situation is brighter than the darkness of hard times. His truth and love are a source of light that cannot be snuffed out. If we seek his truth and love, we will find it. He is there waiting to speak to you and love on you. I know this because He's done it for me too many times to count. 

In my grief, He showed me that I was a good dog parent. He thanked me for always treating His creature with love and kindness. He was grateful that I was there for Troop when he needed me. He told me I did a good job, and that his death was not my fault. God’s words reminded me that as much as He cares for Troop, He cares for me even more. God loves me so much that he brought me this gift to show me a deeper level of love. He loves US so much that death is not the end; it is only the beginning. He cares so much that our time here is short and our time with Him is eternal. He is so eternally good that “everything that has breath praises the Lord.” (Psalm 150:6) Every living creature knows His goodness and worships Him. Every living creature has experienced his love and care in some capacity, and that is good. 


If you can, think of something in your life that you feel is not good. Take that instance or event and set it before God. Ask Him to reveal His truth to you, ask Him where He was, ask Him what you need to take away from it. Let His love wash over you, and hold on to the truth He reveals. 
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