ROMANS 1:20: “For his invisible attributes, that is, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world,  being understood through what he has made.  As a result, people are without excuse.” CSB

OBSERVATION: Is God really good? This is a question that is asked by both Christians and non-Christians alike. A host of current worship songs today sing of God’s goodness. Yet, when we look at our world, when we see the suffering, pain, and senseless violence, we wonder…

Is God really good?

Each morning as I grab my first cup of coffee and begin my devotional readings and reflections, I look out over the 14th fairway of the golf course that runs behind my home in Florida. My view is through an 8-foot-tall sliding glass door. It is like I am watching the world through a giant TV screen. As I read my Bible, I often gaze out the window and look at the beautiful view that is set before me.

Many times, I am surprised by the additional show that takes place before me. At any time, I can see a host of animals parade before my deck. Living in Florida is wonderful, as the wildlife in this area is abundant. I may see a couple of Sandhill Cranes walk by. I always see the parade of squirrels and lizards. Then there is the occasional rabbit, possum, and the black snake that lives somewhere in the yard. A flock of Ibis birds may arrive at any time. Then there are the beautiful hawks, the ever-present crows, and we have even seen bald eagles.

There is always the sign of God’s handiwork in front of me each day!

When I sit quietly, with God’s Word before me, looking at the beautiful array of potted flowers my wife has planted on the back deck, and I watch the wonder of God’s creation parade across the panoramic view through my sliding glass door, I sense God’s goodness, His peace, and His presence. I see it in every blade of grass, every flower that has bloomed, every tree that glistens in the sun, and every one of God’s creatures that parades before me in all of their beauty.

Paul reminds us all – “For his invisible attributes, that is, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world…”. God is good. His mercies are new every morning. When we turn off the noise of a world that is lost in sin, we hear the wonderful orchestra of His creation. We look at the wonder of the smallest animal and see His handiwork.

When you take time to “smell the roses,” you forget the stench of this fallen world for a brief moment.

The world will rage on, racing toward the cliff. This is what Paul continues to write about in Romans chapter 1. Yet, we need to turn off the noise in our lives and take the time to enjoy God and His creation. We need to renew our minds and our hearts through God’s Word and the wonders He has set before our eyes. We need to praise Him for His wonderful works and remember that all of creation proclaims the goodness and glory of God!

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse proclaims the work of his hands. Day after day they pour out speech; night after night they communicate knowledge.” Psalm 19:1-2

As followers of Christ, we are called to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all men and women. This is the Gospel or Good News of life through faith in Jesus Christ’s death for our sins and His victorious resurrection from the dead. We need to proclaim this message with a smile and a heart filled with joy. We can only do this as we live in the goodness of God.

We live in a world, lost in sin, that daily, minute by minute, proclaims the brokenness and hopelessness that sin produces in people’s lives. We need to take time each day to fill our hearts with the goodness of God, limit the amount of noise we allow into our lives, and take time to revel in His creation. Take a hike. Drive to the coast. Go to the mountains. Walk through a botanical garden. Or, simply sit in front of the 14th fairway and watch God’s wonders parade right before your very eyes!

In Jesus’ Name!