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MEDITATION:

Written by Charles F. Stanley, a contemporary pastor and founder of In Touch Ministries.

Living in this fallen world can make us question God’s goodness. We might wonder why He doesn’t always fix our problems and give us what we want. For example, when Eve listened to the serpent’s lies, she began to doubt that the Lord had made the right choice in forbidding her to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Why would He deprive her of wisdom and the enjoyment of such desirable food? Our thoughts are similar to Eve’s when we don’t agree with the Lord about what’s best for us. From a human perspective, “good” refers to that which is enjoyable, comfortable, or profitable. But God has a much higher standard and is always working to achieve His purpose—developing Christlike character in His children. Behind every restriction or commandment from the Lord is His loving care for His followers. He knows the consequences of sin and wants to deter us from choices that will wreck our lives.  Eve and her husband Adam both learned through disobedience that God knows what’s best.  We have the opportunity each day to discover His goodness by listening to His voice, obeying His commands, and trusting His wisdom. Whatever comes our way, we can know that He is working for both our temporal and eternal good.

PRAYER:

Written by Michael Perry (1942-1996), a British clergyman and hymn writer. This prayer is based on Psalm 145.

God our Father,

gracious and compassionate,

slow to anger and rich in mercy:

we thank you that you keep your promises,

and love all that you have made;

you uphold those who fall,

and lift up those who are bowed low;

you open your hand

and satisfy the desires of your people

who fear you,

you hear our cry and save us.

Therefore, we proclaim your goodness:

let every creature praise your holy name,

forever and ever. Amen.