As a child, there was this strange behavior I saw my parents engage in that was not clear to me. Their reaction when bad things happened left me puzzled. They would immediately turn to prayer, even in the face of heartache. It seemed strange that, even in moments of deep pain, they instinctively turned to God. I could not get used to it no matter how frequently they did it. Over time, I saw this same pattern in people I admired, especially ministers who gave thanks even after devastating losses.
As I matured, I realized it wasn’t denial or superhuman strength, but deep trust in God’s goodness. Not that it was easy and they didn’t pray for a different outcome; but through it all, they believed that God is good, no matter what.
I found this cover by the Oyors a good meditation on this post.
Their first instinct was always to seek God, not just in moments of joy, but even when life turned bitter. It’s not that they didn’t grieve or feel the weight of the pain; they just knew that beyond the hurt was a God who remained unchanged. It’s about turning to the only One they trust completely—God, whose goodness is unchanging, no matter the circumstances.
I remember in 2017 when I discovered my uncle died from a relative on Facebook, I called my mum to confirm if it was true. She picked up only to inform me that she would call back as the family was praying. This is the posture I know of my mum either in good or bad. Her knees are closer to the ground than her mouth is quick to complain.
When I see ministers of God show up in thanksgiving posture after losing someone dear to them— wife, children, friend, etc— I am taken aback by their posture of surrender.
God is good and only good comes from God.
As I grow, I understand why this is their first and immediate posture, not because they are not grieving or the news does not hurt but so as not to give room to the devil, they turn their face to God. Only God they know; only Him will they seek, not just when it is good but also when it turns sour.
Thanksgiving is a posture of the heart.
It is a commandment, not just in good seasons, but also in seasons that leave a bitter taste in our mouth.
Even when things don’t go as we pray or expect—when death, sickness, or disappointment strikes—God remains good. This doesn’t mean we don’t grieve or feel the hurt, but we choose to focus on His goodness, knowing that His plans are ultimately for our good. It’s a hard truth, but like every word from God, it’s a fight of faith until it sinks deep into our hearts.
We might pray, believe, and still see things turn out differently than we hoped. But God’s goodness is constant. He’s good when the outcome is what we desire, and if not, He is still God, and He is still good.
Let that truth comfort you, knowing that even in the toughest times, you can trust Him again.
Cheers.
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