kevenbaxter
The first chapter of the Bible makes clear that God’s goodness saturates creation at its original formation. God’s account emphasizes the goodness of his creation six times, punctuating each day of his creative work. At the end of His creative account, He looks upon his creation and declares ‘it is very good indeed’ as an exclamation point.
“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good indeed. Evening came and then morning: the sixth day.” (Genesis 1:31)
The implications of this truth are staggering. God’s infinite and perfect goodness was indelibly baked into the original creation of our world. That very goodness has not diminished one bit, just as God’s goodness is not susceptible for diminution. This means that if we can rightly see God’s goodness, there is an abundance of goodness in our world to savor like a cool glass of lemonade on a scorching summer day.
Let’s take a tour of God’s creative work to identify where we might find His goodness in everyday life. First, God’s light is a good we can enjoy wherever we are (Genesis 1:4). He has graciously given us sight and vision to take in the majesty of his creation in all its diverse forms.
Second, the land and the seas is a good accessible to all (Genesis 1:10). We can pause to appreciate the goodness and natural beauty of the mountains, valleys, meadows, oceans, lakes, rivers, and other landscapes God has created for our delight.
Third, the goodness of plants God has given us for sustenance as well pure enjoyment is beyond description. Consider the forests for their beauty as well as providing for our needs for shelter and wellbeing. Or the beauty of a meadow of flowers and the delight those flowers bring to a wedding celebration, or the encouragement they supply to a patient in the hospital. God’s flora is truly good.
Fourth, the shear grandeur of the sun, moon, and stars declare God’s goodness (Genesis 1:18). Escape to your backyard to gaze upon the night sky and God’s goodness will silently scream God’s goodness. “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse proclaims the work of his hands.” (Psalm 19:1)
Fifth and sixth, the living creatures we share this world with are an amazing manifestation of God’s goodness (Genesis 1:21, 25). I’m guilty of channel surfing at times out of mindless boredom, but the nature programs are most often what captures my attention. The minute details of each creature’s infinitely complex body, how it is harmonized with its habitat, and how it multiplies it’s kind is nothing short of astounding. And points to a good and gracious God who knows how to bring life, flourishing, and delight to His creatures.
Seventh, we can glimpse at the people in our life, see them as wonderfully made bearers of God’s image (Genesis 1:27). God made us to delight in community with our fellow image bearers. If we look beyond what divides us, we may see a good and beautiful person.
Even, perhaps especially, when badness is pulsing through our senses, distorting God’s goodness, we can reset our gaze. Stop, open our eyes, delight in God’s creation. Give thanks to the Lord for His very goodness surrounds us. It is very good indeed! (Genesis 1:31).
Next, we’ll look at the question: If God is perfectly good, and His creation is very good, why is there badness in the world?
