We are in the second week of Lent. Lent is a time of reflection and preparation. Traditionally, we Christians experience Lent by examining our hearts and repenting of our sins. Obviously, not everyone likes the idea of self-examination and sacrifice. Lent is an uncomfortable season in the church. It’s supposed to be that way. For forty days, we are reminded of how much our sin separates us from God and how far God would go to heal that separation. Many people give up something for Lent as a way to practice self-denial in order to foster a closer focus on God, strengthening spiritual discipline, and repenting from sin. It imitates Jesus’ 40-day fast in the desert, removing distractions to prepare the heart for the joy of Easter.
In the text from Genesis, the creation story reveals to us the goodness of God. If one had never heard of God, had no concept of God, and they were presented with the Genesis story of creation and how sin first entered the world, I believe they would be overwhelmed by the goodness of God. We can see God’s goodness in creating and blessing human beings with abundant food, fulfilling work and a personal relationship with God.
Also, understanding the goodness of God makes the difference between believing in God and trusting in God. I suspect that many people believe in God. The problem is that many don’t really trust God. What’s the difference? Trust means giving up control of your life to God. Trust means obeying God’s limits, even when you don’t understand them. Trust means knowing that God doesn’t owe you an explanation. When God withholds some blessing or allows some suffering or does not answer a desperate prayer in the way you want it answered, can you accept the situation with gratitude and cheerfulness? Trusting God means continuing what you do know about God instead of questioning what you don’t know about God.
If you really understood the goodness of God, would you trust Him with your life? Would it change your priorities or your attitudes? How could God use you if you handed over control of your life to Him? This whole Lenten season is set aside for reflecting on the sacrifice of Jesus on our behalf. Consider where you are – Simply believing in God, or have you moved on to trusting God? Can we really look at the incredible sacrifice made on our behalf and still question the goodness of God?
The Creation story reveals to us the goodness of God. Adam and Eve’s sin in the garden began when they doubted God’s character, His goodness. Understanding the goodness of God makes the difference between believing in God and trusting in God. May your Lenten journey be an inspiring time of drawing closer to God, increasing your faith and trusting God deeper. May you be richly blessed.
Randy Palada is pastor at Northfield Community Church.
