God is Good

We can become discouraged in our service to God. The prophet Jeremiah did. He suffered greatly, that's probably why he's been called the "weeping prophet" by some — he was familiar with grief (even though he served God from his youth). Maybe you can relate. Yet in our struggle to faithfully serve the Lord, we must not allow the torrents of challenges and suffering to embitter us, and we must especially avoid two dangerous doings that can rise from a hurt heart —

1. Doubting the goodness of God

   Think of the garden. Satan's tact was simple, get Eve to doubt the good intention and pure heart of God. "Did God really say?". He led her to believe that God was cruel and was holding back something good from her and her husband. ¹

   
   

2. Escaping into idolatry

   The desert Israelites are given to us as an example of the dangers of idolatry. “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” ² The pursuit of pleasure was their lifestyle. They no longer sought the Lord. We must not fall into that trap and become like them.

These traps can ensnare the "best" of us. And just as the Lord spoke to Jeremiah's words and thinking, so he speaks to us.

Why must I continually suffer such painful anguish? Why must I endure the sting of their insults like an incurable wound? Will you let me down when I need you like a brook one goes to for water, but that cannot be relied on?” Because of this, the Lord said, “You must repent of such words and thoughts!" ³

Such thinking is simply not true. God is good — even in our trials; even when we suffer for his name's sake. He is not trying to rob us of joy, he is building it! Consider it all joy my friend. Would God be a good Father if he did not discipline us for our good?

We must come to the understanding that even if we experience the pains of life as a servant of Jesus, our Father is reliable. We can count on him in our disappointment. We can lean on him in tragedy. He is our support in conflict. He has not let us down; he will never leave or forsake us. This short prayer may be helpful if you ever find yourself in Jeremiah's shoes,

You, Lord, are good and all that you do is good. You discipline us because of your love for us and acceptance of us. Hardships come from your hand and from your well-intentioned and completely wise heart, to humble us and cause us to depend on you alone. Thank you, Jesus!

References

¹ Genesis 3:1,5

² 1 Corinthians 10:7

³ Jeremiah 15:18-19a