Until “It Is Good”

There are so many things going on in the world that can make us feel overwhelmed, anxious, or insecure. It can feel like complete chaos between the wars, natural disasters, violence, and personal losses. I’ve felt it. I’ve wondered, Where do we go from here? What does this mean for me and my family? What’s next? My biggest questions, though, tend to be, “Lord, what are You doing? Why are You allowing this? Where are You in all of this?” 
     The future seems so uncertain. I constantly have to remind myself that God is still in control and is working. There is nothing unknown about it for Him. Nothing that has happened, is happening, or will happen can catch God by surprise. He knows what is to come and He has a plan for it. He is working toward making His creation good again. This isn't just wishful thinking. We find this hope from the front to the back of the Bible.

      In Genesis 1 and 2, we are told about the creation of the world. But, that's not all we learn about. In reading these chapters, we also come to understand something important about our Creator. Genesis 1:2 (NIV) tells us that “the earth was formless and empty”. God began speaking and creating, and filled the earth with life, beauty, and purpose. As God was creating, He had a standard in mind. In chapter 1 alone we read seven times that God looked at His creation and saw that it was good. Genesis 1:31-2:2 says, “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day. Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.” Notice something, God didn’t finish working until He saw that it was good.

      Some days may feel like God has abandoned us because of the evil and terrible things going on around us, but God has a plan. In fact, He has even revealed the end of that plan in Revelation. He will defeat Satan for the last time (20:7-10) and will make all things new (21:5). There will be “a new heaven and a new earth” (21:1). Revelation 21:3-4 says, “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death” or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’”

‭‭      God has a plan and He will not stop until He can look at everything and say, “It is good.” While we wait for that day to come, we need to follow Paul’s advice and “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12). We may not find joy in our current circumstances, but there is great joy and comfort in the beauty and peace that will come. We can be patient in our suffering as we hold on to the promise of what God will do. One day we will live with God and no longer experience the pain of sin. The Holy Spirit gives us a glimpse of that. He dwells with us now and shows us a different way of living (God’s way). One day it will all be right. We need to be faithful in prayer so that we don’t lose sight of what is to come or, more importantly, our Lord. It is so easy to only see things as they are because that is what is currently in front of us. As we pray, however, we are setting our minds and our hearts on Him. 

      God has full power and authority. He has the final say. Jesus' ministry on earth reaffirmed what we know about God having full authority over creation. Jesus displayed full control over the elements (Matthew 8:23-27), animals (Luke 5:1-7), plants (Mark 11:12-21), and people (John 18:1-14-the group went to arrest Jesus but fell when He revealed Himself and only arrested Him after He said He would not prevent what would happen). In reading the gospels, we see that Jesus had full spiritual authority (Mark 5:1-20), could change the nature of things (John 2:1-11-turning water to wine), and had full control over death and life (Matthew 28:1-8). God has already shown us that everything He has promised is within His power.

      Don't lose heart. As you look around at all that is going on, remember your Lord. Hold on to Him and His Word. He will keep His promise of what is to come. He won't stop working until He can look and say, “It is good.” And, if you stand firm in your faith, you will one day be able to look around and say the same.