Sometimes in life, the hard things can be easier to see than the good things. So every day we have to make a choice:

We can choose to look at God and what He’s doing instead of the wild, churning darkness trying to get our attention.

Even though the darkness can feel like the easier choice, we choose faith and purposefully turn away from everything that is not faith. Like fear. Like hopelessness.

Here are three simple thoughts and journaling questions that might help you see God’s goodness, even when everything around you seems dark.

1. Look for God’s goodness on purpose. 

I remain confident of this:
    I will see the goodness of the Lord
    in the land of the living. (Ps. 27:13 NIV)

Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness. (NLT)

But I know I will live
    to see how kind you are. (CEV) 

Usually when we’re overwhelmed and afraid, all we can see is what’s going wrong. To see God’s goodness in those times, we have to respond in faith. We STOP looking at the darkness and START looking at God on purpose. We begin searching out the goodness of the Lord.

“I will see Your goodness. I am confident of this. I know I will see You act on my behalf and the behalf of my loved ones. I know that You are moving. I know that You have not left me alone.” 

Journaling question: Where do you need to see God’s goodness? Find one thing that’s good around you, and journal about it without fear or despair. 

For further reading: “A Good Reminder for the Discouraged (and Single) Heart”

  

2. Be still before the Lord.

Be still before the Lord; wait patiently for Him and entrust yourself to Him;
Do not fret (whine, agonize) because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.

Cease from anger and abandon wrath;
Do not fret; it leads only to evil. (Ps. 37:7–8 AMP)

Being still before the Lord is better than doing anything else. It is better than worrying and striving. It is better than assuming the worst. It is better than giving in to hopelessness.

According to Psalm 37:7–8, when we get angry and vengeful because it seems like the darkness is winning, we start down a path that doesn’t lead to life. Yes, we may have some serious things we need to deal with, but we get to be still and wait for the Lord, trusting Him with childlike simplicity.

“Things look pretty bad right now, Father, but I trust You to take care of me.” 

Journaling question: Where do you need to trust the Lord today? With Psalm 37:7–8 in mind, ask Him about His heart for you and what He’s doing in your life. 

For further reading: “Simply Declaring Who God Is”

 

3. Ask the Lord for what you need, and expect Him to answer you.

Ask and you’ll receive. Seek and you’ll discover. Knock on heaven’s door, and it will one day open for you. Every persistent person will get what he asks for. Every persistent seeker will discover what he needs. And everyone who knocks persistently will one day find an open door. (Luke 11:9–10 TPT)

If any of you needs wisdom to know what you should do, you should ask God, and he will give it to you. God is generous to everyone and doesn’t find fault with them. When you ask for something, don’t have any doubts. A person who has doubts is like a wave that is blown by the wind and tossed by the sea. (Jas. 1:5–6 NOG)

What do you need? Have you asked the Lord for it?

Some of us don’t think to be childlike when we have needs. God is our Father. Every good father understands that his children will come to him with questions, fears, concerns, and needs. He knows that part of his job as the father is to take care of his kids. If a human dad knows this, consider how much God the Father knows it. We are His children, and He cares for us relentlessly.

Journaling question: What are you asking the Lord for today? Don’t be afraid to take your needs and desires to Him. He wants you to ask for these things and to keep asking—to knock on the door until something happens. Journal your request, and expect to see the goodness of God.

For further reading: “What Is the Lord Saying About Your Dreams?”

 

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