Embracing God's Goodness: A Journey of Restoration

Devotional

Day 1: God Shares His Goodness Through Creation

From the very beginning, God reveals His character as a generous Creator who delights in sharing His goodness with the world He makes. The beauty, order, and harmony of creation are not accidental but intentional gifts, inviting us to recognize and enjoy the goodness of God in everything from the sunrise to the stars, from the mountains to the rivers, and in the very breath in our lungs. Even when life feels chaotic or uncertain, the world around us testifies to a God who is eager to bless and fill His creation with goodness. Take time today to notice the beauty and goodness that surrounds you, remembering that it is a reflection of the Creator’s heart. [39:38]

Genesis 1:1-5, 9-13, 20-25 (ESV)
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.
And God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so. God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the third day.
And God said, “Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the heavens.” So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day. And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds—livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds.” And it was so. And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

Reflection: Where do you see God’s goodness in creation today, and how can you pause to thank Him for it in a specific way?

Day 2: Every Person Is Made in God’s Image

God’s goodness is not only seen in the world around us but is uniquely displayed in every person, as each one is made in His image. This truth means that every human being—regardless of background, status, or circumstance—carries inherent dignity and worth. We are called to recognize and honor the image of God in others, to treasure the goodness He has packed into each person, and to resist the temptation to belittle, criticize, or dehumanize anyone. Whether in our families, our church, or our community, we are invited to become “treasure hunters” for the glory and goodness of God in those around us, seeing people as He sees them. [46:55]

Genesis 1:26-28 (ESV)
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

Reflection: Who is one person you tend to overlook or criticize—how can you intentionally honor the image of God in them today?

Day 3: Jesus Restores All Things

Though the world is broken by sin and we do not live in the harmony of Genesis 1 and 2, God’s goodness continues to break through as He restores all things through Jesus Christ. Jesus, the true Light, entered our darkness and offers life, hope, and restoration to all who trust in Him. In Him, the story of God’s goodness is not just a past event but a present reality—He is actively making all things new, holding all things together, and inviting us to abide in Him. No matter how dark or chaotic life may seem, the light of Christ shines, and the darkness has not overcome it. [56:08]

John 1:1-5, 14 (ESV)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Reflection: What is one area of your life that feels dark or broken—how can you invite Jesus to bring His restoring light into that place today?

Day 4: In Jesus, All Things Hold Together

Jesus is not only the agent of creation but the One in whom all things hold together—cosmically and personally. When life feels like it’s falling apart, we are reminded that our hope is not in circumstances, achievements, or relationships, but in Christ Himself. He is before all things, and in Him, all things are being reconciled and made whole. This truth anchors us in seasons of uncertainty and invites us to daily abide in Him, trusting that He is able to sustain and restore us, no matter what we face. [01:01:03]

Colossians 1:15-20 (ESV)
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Reflection: What is one area of your life that feels out of control—how can you practice trusting Jesus to hold it together today?

Day 5: God’s Story Ends in Restoration and Hope

The story of God does not end in brokenness but in the restoration of all things—a new heaven and a new earth where God dwells with His people, wipes away every tear, and makes all things new. This hope is not automatic; it is a gift for those who choose to be part of God’s story through faith in Jesus. We are invited to examine our hearts and ask: whose story are we living? God’s story ends in life, joy, and eternal communion with Him, while choosing our own way leads to separation. Today, God invites you to be found in His story, to trust in His goodness, and to look forward with hope to the day when all things are made new. [01:06:23]

Revelation 21:1-7 (ESV)
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.”

Reflection: If today were the final chapter of your story, would you be found in God’s story of restoration—or are you still writing your own? What step can you take today to say “yes” to God’s invitation?

Sermon Summary

From the very first breath we take each morning to the beauty that surrounds us in creation, God is constantly sharing His goodness with us. The story of the Bible is not primarily about us or a manual for living, but about God’s relentless desire to share His goodness by restoring all things through Jesus Christ. As we look at Genesis 1 and 2, we see a God who creates with intention, calling His creation “good” and placing His own image within humanity—male and female alike. This divine image is not just a theological concept, but a daily reality that shapes how we see ourselves and others. Every person we encounter, regardless of their background or circumstance, bears the image of God and is worthy of dignity, kindness, and honor.

Creation itself is a song of God’s goodness. Whether it’s the sunrise over the mountains, the clarity of a star-filled sky, or the unique gifts and talents we see in one another, these are all glimpses of the Creator’s heart. Yet, we also recognize that we do not live in the unbroken harmony of Genesis 1 and 2. Our world is marked by pain, brokenness, and sorrow. The question is not whether God is good, but whether we are looking for His goodness in the midst of the chaos. Even in a world marred by sin, God’s goodness breaks through—inviting us to be treasure hunters for His glory in the people and places around us.

The story does not end with brokenness. In John 1, we see that Jesus—the Word—was present at creation and is the light that shines in the darkness, a light the darkness cannot overcome. Through Jesus, God is actively restoring all things. Colossians 1 reminds us that in Christ, all things hold together, and through Him, God is reconciling everything to Himself. The hope of the gospel is that God’s story ends with restoration: a new heaven and a new earth, where every tear is wiped away and all things are made new.

But every story has an ending, and we are invited to choose which story we will live in. God will not force us into His story, but He continually invites us to lay down our own lesser stories and enter into His—where goodness, restoration, and eternal life are found in Jesus. The invitation is open: to be known, to be restored, and to join in the ongoing story of God’s goodness.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Goodness Is Relentlessly Shared From the opening pages of Genesis, God is not a distant creator but an eager giver, sharing His goodness through the beauty and order of creation. Every sunrise, every act of kindness, and every unique gift in others is a reflection of His desire to bless and delight His children. The question is not whether God is good, but whether we are attentive to the ways He is sharing that goodness with us each day. [31:20]
2. Every Person Bears the Image of God The image of God is not limited to a select few; it is stamped on every human being, regardless of gender, background, or circumstance. This truth radically transforms how we view and treat others, calling us to honor, respect, and seek the goodness of God in every person we meet. To belittle or demean another is to dishonor the Creator Himself, and we are called to be relentless champions of the dignity of all image bearers. [48:46]
3. Brokenness Is Not the End of the Story While we live in a world marred by sin, pain, and loss, the goodness of God still breaks through. The story of Scripture is not one of despair, but of hope—a hope anchored in the reality that God is actively restoring all things through Jesus. Even in the midst of suffering, we are invited to look for and celebrate the glimpses of God’s goodness that persist in our world. [53:17]
4. Jesus Holds All Things Together and Restores In Christ, all things hold together—cosmically and personally. Our hope is not in circumstances, achievements, or relationships, but in the One who sustains the universe and offers reconciliation through His cross. When life feels like it’s falling apart, we are reminded that Jesus is the center, and in Him, restoration and peace are possible for all who trust in Him. [61:03]
5. We Are Invited to Choose God’s Story God’s story ends with restoration, joy, and eternal life for those who enter in by faith. Yet, He will not force us; we are free to choose our own story, with its own ending. The invitation is to lay down our hiding, our shame, and our self-written scripts, and to be found in God’s story—a story where we are fully known, fully loved, and forever restored in Christ.

** [71:35]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[25:05] - Opening Prayer: God’s Goodness and Our Need
[26:47] - Kids’ Church and Community Update
[28:39] - Trey’s Guitar Performance: Experiencing Goodness
[30:14] - The Harmony of Goodness in Creation
[31:20] - The Bible: God Sharing His Goodness
[36:37] - Genesis 1: The Song of Creation
[39:38] - Stories of Creation’s Beauty
[41:17] - The Image of God in Humanity
[45:02] - Marriage and the Goodness of God
[48:46] - Honoring All Image Bearers
[50:37] - Brokenness and the World We Live In
[54:50] - John 1: Jesus, the Light in the Darkness
[59:33] - Colossians 1: Christ Holds All Things Together
[64:12] - Revelation 21: The Promise of Restoration
[69:18] - The Choice: God’s Story or Ours
[73:58] - Responding in Communion, Song, and Prayer
[82:25] - Sending and Next Steps

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading

- Genesis 1:26-28 (ESV)

> Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
> So God created man in his own image,
> in the image of God he created him;
> male and female he created them.
> And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

- John 1:1-5, 14 (ESV)

> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
> ...
> And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

- Colossians 1:15-20 (ESV)

> He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Observation Questions

In Genesis 1, what does God declare about creation and about humanity specifically? What repeated word or phrase stands out in the creation account? ([37:38])
According to John 1, who was present at creation, and what is said about the “light” in relation to darkness? ([54:50])
In Colossians 1, what does Paul say about Jesus’ role in creation and in holding all things together? ([01:01:03])
The sermon described creation as a “song of God’s goodness.” What are some examples from the sermon or your own life where you have seen or experienced this goodness? ([39:38])

Interpretation Questions

What does it mean that every person is made in the image of God? How does this shape the way we view ourselves and others, according to the sermon? ([48:46])
The sermon said, “The question is not whether God is good, but whether we are looking for His goodness in the midst of the chaos.” What does this suggest about our perspective in times of pain or brokenness? ([53:17])
How does the truth that “in Christ all things hold together” affect the way we respond when life feels like it’s falling apart? ([01:01:03])
The sermon emphasized that God invites us into His story but does not force us. What are the implications of this invitation for our daily choices and the direction of our lives? ([01:11:35])

Application Questions

The sermon challenged us to be “treasure hunters” for God’s goodness in the people and places around us. Who is someone in your life that you struggle to see as an image bearer of God? What is one practical way you can honor their dignity this week? ([48:46])
Think about a recent moment of beauty in creation (a sunrise, a song, a kind act). How did you respond? How can you become more attentive to God’s goodness in everyday life? ([39:38])
When you face pain, brokenness, or disappointment, do you tend to focus more on what’s wrong or on where God’s goodness is breaking through? What is one step you can take to shift your focus this week? ([53:17])
The sermon said, “In Jesus all things hold together.” Is there an area of your life right now that feels like it’s falling apart? What would it look like to trust Jesus with that area? ([01:01:03])
God’s story ends with restoration, but He allows us to choose our own story. Are there “lesser stories” you are tempted to live in (stories of shame, hiding, self-reliance)? What would it look like to lay those down and enter more fully into God’s story? ([01:11:35])
The sermon invited everyone to reflect on the statement, “If you really knew me, you would know…” What is something you are tempted to hide from God or others? How does knowing God’s goodness and invitation to restoration encourage you to bring that into the light? ([01:12:37])
The hope of the gospel is that God is actively restoring all things. How can you join in God’s work of restoration in your family, workplace, or community this week? ([01:22:25])

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