In Chaos, See Goodness

Devotional Reading: He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; Ecclesiastes 3:11‭-‬12 ESV

Most children and even adults do this. We scout shops and online shops for that perfect birthday gift to have. When we find it, we’re so thrilled we can’t possibly wait for our birthdays for people to get it for us. Often times we want those gifts right away, which may not even be the right time for us to have it. The lesson here of course is that our joy is compounded when the perfect gift and perfect time come together.

We’re reminded that our tendency to fixate on the beginning and end of things is to miss God’s beauty and glory right now.

So where do we see goodness, in the news headlines, social media vitriol and misinformation, global sickness and sadness? In verse 12 of our text, the author reveals that when God’s people do HIS good, WE are the change the world needs. While we inject God’s goodness into our world, God’s plan is in action.

There are times when we are the beneficiary of God’s goodness through others, but equally we are called to be that goodness for others when they need it.

God’s plans for our world involve us. We are not merely spectators. We are both the recipient of God’s gift at the perfect time, but also envoys for His gift to our families, friends and community.

Take heart. God’s perfect plan is for you, involves you and will be made manifest through you in His perfect time.

Prayer and Confession
My heart is steady in God. I believe in God’s divine plan for my life and I am convinced that it will come to pass at that perfect time.

Further Reading: Romans 8:28
Reading Psalms: Psalm 46-50.