Monday's Marriage Moment -- Still Good!

Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls—

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

The Lord God[c] is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet,

And He will make me walk on my high hills.

Habakkuk 3: 17 - 19

One of my favorite songs currently is "Arise" by William Murphy. The song speaks of the goodness of the Lord in general, but one line in particular blesses me: You are good, so good, real good, still good". Look at the last two words again: STILL good. Do you know what still means in this context? It means "and yet; but yet; nevertheless; nonetheless;" and get this "even with everything considered". Even with everything considered God is good. Perhaps this has been a season of sunshine and lollipops for you, but there are a few of us that have had some clouds in the midst of sunshine and some broccoli thrown in with those lollipops. Can I remind those of you who have had some struggles and challenges that God is STILL good? Even when we consider everything: financial issues, job issues, marital issues, and so much more, God is still good. Maybe your spouse is not perfect right now, but God is still good. Maybe you are still trying to conquer some issues in your marriage, but God is still good. Maybe you are facing challenges at work, at school, and/or at home, but God is STILL good. Look at Habakkuk's situation. Things in his life that should have produced were barren. They were not working according to plan and purpose. He is describing a hard time. Yet, he purposed in his heart and even declared that regardless of the situation, EVEN WITH EVERYTHING CONSIDERED, he was going to rejoice in the Lord. I submit to you that we must do the same. This year has been challenging for me. There has been shift and transition all around. I have had months of struggle and many times I did not understand why I was going through. Yet, I can tell you that through it all God was STILL good. John and I are leaving this year much stronger in all areas than when we entered it because God is STILL good. I determined that my circumstances were not going to effect how I perceived God, but God was going to effect how I perceived my circumstances. I challenge you today, with only 26 days left in this year, to focus on God and His goodness. Call to mind all that He has been to you and all that He has done for you. Determine to set your thoughts above your reality. Declare that not only is your marriage good, but that your life is good! God's plan for you is good! Your finances are good! All of this is because He is good. No matter what, He is STILL good!