The Words Christians Throw Like Confetti

A single day brought good news from several friends: A young mom seems to be beating the odds against a virulent cancer; a family friend finally landed a new job; an elderly loved one made it through a difficult surgery. Each time I caught myself responding, “God is good!” As I typed the words one last time, I realized I, like other Christians, throw those words around like confetti whenever there’s cause to rejoice.

It’s never bad to declare God’s goodness. We should celebrate favorable answers to prayer. But would I have been so quick to respond that way if the young mom’s body yielded to cancer or the friend became destitute or my loved one didn’t make it through surgery?

Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting.—Psalm 100:4-5

The same God who poured out those good and perfect gifts—those huge answers to prayer—is the same God who recently allowed the devastation in Nebraska, the mosque slayings in New Zealand, and the murders of hundreds of Christians in Nigeria. 

As we consider these tragedies, are we as quick to say that God is good? As we look at the state of our world, are we quick to believe in His goodness? Do we commend His goodness as we look at our withering savings, our failing health or our strained relationships?

When we’re sad or hurting, do we find ourselves calling out, “God is good!” while waiting for a friend to chant back, “All the time!”?

Yet He is good. All the time. 

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.—Psalm 34:1

Sometimes it may seem insensitive to remind someone who is suffering about God’s goodness. But sometimes it may be exactly what someone needs to hear. She may need to be reminded she’s not facing her trials alone or praying to a deaf, apathetic audience. She may need to be reminded she needs to take account of the good things God is doing even in the midst of her struggles.

Bless Him at all times. Praise Him continually.

Yes, the news constantly reminds us how messed up our world is. Yes, it’s hard to imagine how much longer the Lord will wait before He airlifts His kids out of this broken world and brings judgment upon it. All creation is groaning. So are we.

Then we fix our eyes on Jesus, the only One who never deserved to suffer but did anyway for our sake, and we recall God’s goodness. Like any good parent, He is there to guide and strengthen and comfort us, and He always lives to intercede for us. Soon He will come to set all things right.

Next time you’re in the middle of a trial or you’re discouraged by the state of our world, try proclaiming God’s goodness. As Rend Collective sings, “What’s true in the light is still true in the dark; You’re good and You’re kind, and You care for this heart.”

God is good. He is good in our triumphs, and He is good in our trials. Proclaim it continually—with or without confetti.