Seeing God's Goodness Amidst Life's Chaos
Summary
In embarking on this new series, "The Goodness of God," we are invited to shift our perspective and see the world through a lens of divine goodness. In a world filled with chaos and fear, often amplified by the media, it is easy to become overwhelmed and lose sight of God's inherent goodness. This series aims to redirect our focus from the backdrop of darkness to the foreground of God's creative work in our lives. By doing so, we can begin to see the beauty and goodness that God is weaving through our circumstances.
Thomas Merton's reflections on gratitude remind us that recognizing God's love in everything is a profound act of faith. Gratitude opens our eyes to the wonders of God's goodness, which is not just a concept but an experience. This understanding challenges us to confront the age-old question: If God is good, why is life so hard? The answer lies in the realization that evil exists to highlight God's goodness, much like a black backdrop in a theater accentuates the performance.
The narrative of creation in Genesis illustrates God's ability to bring forth beauty and order from chaos. God's creative power, described by the Hebrew word "bara," signifies both the creation of something from nothing and the transformation of existing matter. This duality reflects God's ongoing work in our lives, taking our chaos and forming something new and beautiful. As we shift our focus from the chaos to God's creative work, we begin to see His goodness in every aspect of our lives.
Psalm 104 poetically captures the majesty and goodness of God's creation, reminding us that everything around us is a testament to His love and care. From the boundaries set for the seas to the provision of food for all creatures, God's goodness is evident in the natural world. This realization calls us to trust in God's plan, even when we cannot see the path ahead.
As we journey through this series, let us ask ourselves: What is God creating in our lives? What is He forming anew? What promises is He bringing into existence? By seeking answers to these questions, we align ourselves with God's perspective and embrace the goodness He has woven into the fabric of our existence.
Key Takeaways:
- Shift in Perspective: Embrace a shift in perspective to see God's goodness in the midst of chaos. By focusing on the foreground of God's creative work rather than the backdrop of darkness, we can experience His love and grace in new ways. [09:45]
- Gratitude as Recognition: Gratitude is a powerful tool that helps us recognize God's love in everything. It requires us to be present and attentive, allowing us to see the wonders of God's goodness in our daily lives. [06:20]
- Creation as a Testament: The creation narrative in Genesis reveals God's ability to bring order from chaos. This creative power is a testament to His goodness, as He continually works to transform our lives and circumstances. [17:23]
- Trust in God's Plan: Trusting in God's plan involves acknowledging that we cannot see the full picture. By shifting our focus from the chaos to God's creative work, we can find peace and assurance in His goodness. [24:34]
- God's Goodness in Nature: Psalm 104 highlights the majesty and goodness of God's creation. By observing the natural world, we are reminded of God's provision and care, which calls us to trust in His ongoing work in our lives. [35:10]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:53] - The Need for a Perspective Shift
[02:10] - The Impact of Media on Our Perception
[04:58] - Thomas Merton on Gratitude
[06:20] - Recognizing God's Goodness
[07:15] - The Question of God's Goodness
[09:45] - Evil as a Backdrop
[11:25] - Sensationalism and Anxiety
[13:13] - God's Creation and Goodness
[17:23] - The Narrative of Creation
[20:12] - God's Creative Power
[24:34] - Trusting God's Plan
[29:18] - The Goodness in Creation
[31:03] - Questions for Reflection
[35:10] - Psalm 104: God's Majesty
[43:01] - David's Understanding of Goodness
[44:15] - A Prayer for Perspective Shift
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Goodness of God
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 1:1-3
2. Psalm 104:1-13
3. Romans 8:28
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#### Observation Questions
1. In Genesis 1:1-3, what does the term "bara" signify about God's creative power? How does this relate to the sermon’s message about God bringing order from chaos? [17:23]
2. According to Psalm 104, what are some examples of God's goodness in creation? How does this passage illustrate God's provision and care? [35:10]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of evil in highlighting God's goodness, using the theater backdrop analogy? [09:45]
4. What does Romans 8:28 suggest about God's ability to work through chaos and challenges in our lives? How was this concept discussed in the sermon? [21:07]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "bara" in Genesis challenge our understanding of God's ongoing work in our lives? What does this imply about His ability to transform our circumstances? [17:23]
2. In what ways does Psalm 104 encourage us to trust in God's plan, even when we cannot see the full picture? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on shifting our perspective? [24:34]
3. The sermon suggests that gratitude is a way to recognize God's love in everything. How does this perspective change the way we view our daily lives and challenges? [06:20]
4. How does the sermon address the question, "If God is good, why is life so hard?" What insights are offered to help us reconcile this question with our faith? [08:10]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a current challenge in your life. How can you shift your perspective to see God's creative work in this situation? What steps can you take to focus on the foreground of God's goodness rather than the backdrop of chaos? [11:25]
2. Consider the role of gratitude in your life. How can you cultivate a habit of gratitude to better recognize God's love and goodness in your daily experiences? [06:20]
3. Identify an area of your life where you feel chaos or disorder. How can you invite God to "bara" something new and beautiful from this chaos? What practical steps can you take to partner with God in this process? [19:16]
4. How can you apply the message of Psalm 104 to trust in God's provision and care, especially in uncertain times? What specific actions can you take to remind yourself of God's goodness in nature and in your life? [35:10]
5. The sermon encourages us to ask, "What is God creating in our lives?" Take a moment to reflect on this question. What do you sense God is forming anew in your life, and how can you align yourself with His creative work? [31:03]
6. How can you practice seeing the goodness in others, even when it’s difficult? What specific actions can you take this week to focus on the positive attributes of those around you? [45:10]
7. Think about a time when you felt overwhelmed by the chaos in the world. How can you use the insights from this sermon to find peace and assurance in God's plan? What practical changes can you make to reduce anxiety and increase trust in God? [24:34]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Embracing Divine Perspective
In a world often overshadowed by chaos and fear, it is crucial to shift our perspective to recognize the goodness of God. This shift involves focusing on the creative work of God in our lives rather than the darkness that surrounds us. By doing so, we can experience His love and grace in new and profound ways. This perspective change is not just about seeing the positive but about understanding that God's goodness is actively at work, even amidst turmoil. [09:45]
Psalm 27:13-14 (ESV): "I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel overwhelmed by chaos? How can you intentionally shift your focus to see God's goodness at work in that situation today?
Day 2: Gratitude as a Lens
Gratitude is a powerful tool that opens our eyes to the wonders of God's goodness. It requires us to be present and attentive, allowing us to see His love in everything. This act of gratitude is not just a response to good circumstances but a recognition of God's presence in all aspects of life. By cultivating gratitude, we align ourselves with a divine perspective that sees beyond the immediate and into the eternal. [06:20]
Colossians 3:15-16 (ESV): "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom."
Reflection: Identify three things you are grateful for today, even if they seem small or insignificant. How does acknowledging these things change your perspective on God's presence in your life?
Day 3: Creation as a Reflection of God's Goodness
The narrative of creation in Genesis reveals God's ability to bring order from chaos. This creative power is a testament to His goodness, as He continually works to transform our lives and circumstances. By understanding this, we can see that God's goodness is not just a passive attribute but an active force that shapes and renews. This realization invites us to trust in His ongoing work in our lives, knowing that He is always creating something new and beautiful. [17:23]
Isaiah 45:18 (ESV): "For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it empty, he formed it to be inhabited!): 'I am the Lord, and there is no other.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a recent situation where you felt chaos or disorder. How can you see God's creative power at work in that situation, bringing about transformation or new beginnings?
Day 4: Trusting in God's Plan
Trusting in God's plan involves acknowledging that we cannot see the full picture. By shifting our focus from the chaos to God's creative work, we can find peace and assurance in His goodness. This trust is not blind but rooted in the understanding that God's ways are higher than ours and that His plans are for our ultimate good. It calls us to surrender our need for control and to rest in the knowledge that God is weaving a beautiful tapestry from the threads of our lives. [24:34]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God's plan? What steps can you take today to surrender this area to Him and trust in His goodness?
Day 5: Observing God's Goodness in Nature
Psalm 104 highlights the majesty and goodness of God's creation. By observing the natural world, we are reminded of God's provision and care, which calls us to trust in His ongoing work in our lives. Nature serves as a constant testament to God's love and creativity, inviting us to pause and reflect on His goodness. This awareness encourages us to see the divine fingerprints in the world around us and to respond with awe and gratitude. [35:10]
Job 12:7-10 (ESV): "But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind."
Reflection: Spend time in nature today, whether it's a walk in the park or simply observing the sky. What aspects of God's goodness and creativity do you notice? How does this change your perspective on His presence in your life?
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Quotes
1) "If God is good, why is life so hard? If God is good, why is life so chaotic? If God is good, why is life so unfair? And if God is good, why is life sometimes just downright evil? Have you ever heard that question posed to you? Let me see your hand. I've heard it so many times. It's almost like the go-to question when things are out of order, when things are crazy and chaotic. There must not be a God because if God was good, how in the world would he allow such madness? How in the world would he allow such foolishness, not just in the world, but in our lives?" [08:10] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "Evil exists in the world to highlight the goodness of God. Now sit with that for a minute. Take a deep breath. what does that mean? Well, he gave me an illustration because I was trying to figure out like, Lord, what does that mean? He says, have you ever gone to the theater? I'm like, yeah, I love theater. I love seeing musicals. I love seeing plays. He says, okay, so when you go into the theater, what color is the background? And I said, always, it's black. He said, okay, why is that? And quickly, I was able to figure out why that is. I said, well, it's black because it highlights everything in front of it." [09:45] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "You struggle with anxiety and depression, you as you shift your perspective, your focus from the backdrop to the foreground, anxiety will go. Depression will go. Because you'll begin to see the beauty of what God is doing. And the church says, are you with me? We're going to get there. We're going to get there. In the beginning, all that God created, He said, these three words, it was good. Look at your neighbor and say those three words. It was good. Look at your other neighbor. Say it again. Were you looking at their eyeballs when you said that? You know, I got that thing, you know, about looking folk in the eye." [13:13] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "When God says he created he has the ability as God to take something that is not at all in existence and make something out of it and then he has the ability to take what it is and do whatever he does to make it brand new now think about that for a moment so God steps into this vacuum of darkness are you with me because he says that when he stepped on the scene everything was void there was nothing it was just dark some translations say it was chaotic and then he created something he took something that never was and brought it to existence and he took something that was and formed it and that is the narrative of creation that is the narrative his solution to dark Darkness was to create." [17:23] (79 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "The problem is, we're not seeing the good. We're missing the good because our eyes are moving past the good to the backdrop. And that's why he's calling us to shift. He's calling for a radical shift in our spirit to release and remove our eyes from the backdrop and begin to see his handiwork in our circumstances. Because let me tell you, there is no, I said no, there is no circumstance that is difficult, hard, whatever, where you can't find the goodness of God. I'm telling you. It's just a matter of shifting. things are you with me it's just a matter of shifting things and when we shift things it's really us saying God I trust you it don't make no sense to me this ain't what I would have ordered I would have done it a different way the problem is you can't see from today forward all you know is today all you know is today and what happened yesterday you don't know today forward God knows yesterday today and forevermore he already knows what's gonna happen he already knows the outcome that he desires for you and he is working something in your life to move you in that direction." [24:34] (98 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "You, our creator, formed the earth, and you hold it all together so it will never fall apart. You poured the ocean depths over the planet, submerging mountains beneath them, the flood. Yet at the sound of your thunder shout, the waters all fled away, filling the deep seas. The mountains. The rivers rose and valleys sank to levels you decreed for them. Then you set a boundary line for the seas and commanded them not to trespass. Do you know that there is more water in the ocean than there is landmass? And if those waters exceeded their boundaries, we would be finished. But God set a boundary. He set a limit. And he says, you cannot trespass." [36:29] (67 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "David understood the goodness of God. And all of his life, all that he went to, he was able to see what God was up to. You see, we could have counted David out. In fact, we would have counted David out if the truth be told, an adulterer, adulterer, a murderer, and a liar. Yet, a man after God's own heart. How does that work? Because David understood the goodness of God. And he no longer focused on the backdrop. He began to focus on the foreground. The beautiful things that God was doing through his circumstances." [43:35] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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