Seeing His Goodness
READ
I don't know about you, but I often get distracted and quickly lose sight of God's goodness. I know God is good. I believe the familiar words of the 23rd Psalm — "Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life." I'll even feel warm and fuzzy singing Goodness of God — "His goodness is running after me!"
And yet, somehow in the day-to-day busyness of life, I still miss it. Maybe you do too. Even when my heart genuinely wants to see God and His goodness, why don't I?
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul encouraged the church to live differently from the world. In the verses we read today, he points to something I simply can't ignore — and if I'm honest, it's often the very reason I fail to fully see God's goodness.
Take a moment to read Philippians 2:14-16:
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.
REFLECT
Several years ago, my family and I were traveling to an island destination for spring break. Everyone at the airport gate seemed to share our excitement — families, couples, all of us chasing sunshine.
When we arrived and deboarded, we were asked to complete customs paperwork. So we pulled out our pens and started filling out forms while standing in line — island music playing, everyone smiling.
Except for the man behind us.
He had completed his paperwork before getting in line, and he made it abundantly clear that that was the right way to do it. He watched the rest of us with visible disgust as we leaned on each other's backs and filled in each section. Completely irritated, he began muttering things under his breath — complaints loud enough for everyone to hear. At one point he got so close to us that we simply stepped aside. Go ahead, sir. Please.
Here's what I know about that man: he was right. It would have been more efficient to complete the forms beforehand — no one could argue that. But here's what else I know: he was miserable.
He didn't see the beauty of the sunshine outside. He missed the excitement of the families surrounding him. He couldn't appreciate the steel drum music or the joy happening all around him. He stood in the middle of it all, so focused on what was wrong, that he completely missed what was good.
If I'm not careful, I can be just like him. Complaining. Grumbling. Arguing. My sinful nature can make me more concerned with being right than being godly — and in that, I lose sight of God, His call on my life, and the goodness He has so generously placed all around me.
Paul says to "do everything without grumbling or arguing," and that by doing so, we "shine among them like stars." The implication is clear — in everything, there's always something to complain about. But when God's Word fills my heart, I find far fewer reasons to go there. And when I stop complaining and arguing, I'm far more able to see His undeniable goodness. When we commit to this together, I believe the world begins to notice His goodness too.
RESPOND
Take a moment to process what God might be leading you to do in light of what you read.
List five things you're grateful for each day this week — things that demonstrate God's goodness. How does gratitude make you more aware of His goodness?
What words can you use to encourage and uplift others? How does that help you refrain from complaining and bring unity to those around you?
When have you felt the urge to argue or dig your heels in just to be right? What steps can you take to step back from petty arguments?
REST
Take a moment to rest in God’s presence and consider one thing you can take away from your time reading, then close your devotional experience by praying:
Lord, thank you for Your goodness — would you help me to see it? Keep my mind free from distraction and pettiness. When I'm tempted to grumble or argue, help me to pause and remember these words from Paul. Fill me with Your Word, and help me do everything with a humble, willing spirit. Amen.
Port City writer Holly Campbell wrote today’s devotional.