“God is good all the time” is a phrase that is frequently used among Christians, particularly in times of trouble or suffering. It is a powerful reminder that, no matter what happens in our lives, God is always present and always working for our good.
This phrase is not just a slogan or a platitude; it is rooted in the Scriptures, and it is a truth that Christians have held onto for centuries. In this article, we will explore some of the key scriptures that affirm God’s goodness and examine what this means for us as believers.
God’s Goodness in the Old Testament:
The Bible’s portrayal of God’s goodness begins in the Old Testament, where we see numerous examples of God’s love and mercy towards His people. In the book of Genesis, we read about how God created the world and declared it to be “good” (Genesis 1:31). This sets the stage for the rest of the Old Testament, which depicts God as a loving and compassionate God who is always faithful to His promises.
One of the most famous passages in the Old Testament that speaks to God’s goodness is Psalm 23. This beloved psalm describes God as a shepherd who leads us beside still waters and restores our souls. The psalmist writes, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6). This verse reminds us that God’s goodness and mercy are always with us, even in the darkest moments of our lives.
Another passage that speaks to God’s goodness in the Old Testament is found in the book of Jeremiah. In this passage, God promises to restore His people and give them a future and a hope. The Lord declares, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). This verse assures us that God’s plans for us are always good, even when we cannot see the way ahead.
God’s Goodness in the New Testament:
The New Testament also contains many passages that affirm God’s goodness. In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). This verse reminds us that Jesus is the ultimate expression of God’s goodness, as He gave His life for us on the cross.
In the book of Romans, the apostle Paul writes about how God’s goodness is revealed to us through His creation. He says, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse” (Romans 1:20). This verse tells us that God’s goodness is evident in the world around us, and that we can see His handiwork in every aspect of creation.
Another powerful passage that speaks to God’s goodness is found in the book of Ephesians. In this passage, Paul writes about how God’s grace has saved us and given us new life in Christ. He says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). This verse reminds us that God’s goodness is not based on our own merit or works, but is a free gift that we receive through faith in Jesus Christ.
God’s Goodness in Action:
While the Scriptures clearly affirm God’s goodness, sometimes it can be difficult to see this goodness in action in our own lives.
Biblical examples of God goodness
One example of God’s goodness in action can be seen in the life of Joseph. In the book of Genesis, we read about how Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers and later imprisoned on false charges. Despite these difficult circumstances, Joseph remained faithful to God and eventually rose to become the second-in-command in all of Egypt. When his brothers came to him for help during a famine, Joseph declared, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20). This passage reminds us that even in the midst of adversity, God is working for our good and His glory.
Another example of God’s goodness in action can be seen in the life of Job. In the book of Job, we read about how Job experienced unimaginable suffering, losing his wealth, his family, and his health. Despite these hardships, Job remained faithful to God and declared, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised” (Job 1:21). Eventually, God restored Job’s fortunes and blessed him with even more than he had before. This story reminds us that even when we experience great loss and suffering, God’s goodness can still shine through.
Bible Verses about the Goodness of God
There are many God is good all the time saying in scripture and below are some of the most powerful Bible verses about the goodness of God, and how they can inspire and uplift us in our daily lives.
Psalm 25:8-9
Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.
Psalm 27:13
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!
Psalm 31:19
Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind!
Psalm 34:8
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
Psalm 107:1
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!
Psalm 119:68
You are good and do good; teach me your statutes.
Psalm 145:17
The Lord is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works.
Nahum 1:7
The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.
Genesis 50:20
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
Psalm 84:11
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.
Psalm 103:1-5
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Psalm 145:8-10
The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made. All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your saints shall bless you!
Lamentations 3:25-26
The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
Joel 2:13
And rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.
Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.
Mathew 5:44-45
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
John 3:16-17
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
Romans 2:4
Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?
Romans 5:8
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
Conclusion
“God is good all the time” is not just a cliche, but a profound truth that is echoed throughout the Bible. As we have seen, scripture after scripture speaks of God’s goodness, faithfulness, and unfailing love towards us. Even in times of trials and hardships, we can take comfort in the fact that our God is always good and that he works all things together for our good.
When we truly grasp the meaning of this truth, it can transform our perspective and give us a deep sense of peace and joy. It can also inspire us to live our lives in a way that reflects God’s goodness, by extending love and kindness to those around us.
So, let us hold onto the truth that God is good all the time, and let it be a source of comfort and strength as we navigate the ups and downs of life. Let us also be encouraged to share this truth with others, so that they too can experience the goodness of our loving Heavenly Father.
