“I hope something good happens to you today.” 

I was out-and-about and I happened to see this message on two different window clings on two different vehicles within a matter of ten minutes.  I don’t remember seeing that message before, and I don’t think I’ve seen it since, but it certainly set my mind pondering that day.

“I hope something good happens to you today” sounds like a wonderful sentiment.  And I’m sure it is well-intentioned.  For one driver to share with the driver behind them that it is their wish that something happens today that brings the second driver joy sounds very magnanimous.

It’s not my intention to question another’s intentions, what they choose to share or how they choose to share it.  Let’s simply consider the words as ones springing from a kind heart. 

Rather, I would like to narrow our focus to the word “good.”  “I hope something good happens to you today.”  At this time of year, we could easily change the statement to “I hope something good happens to you this next year.”

What set my mind ruminating that day was this question: how does one define “good?”

Presumably, “good” is understood as something that personally benefits a person, and probably as something that most people would consider “good.”

Such as quality time with a loved one or dear friend, an unexpected gesture of kindness from someone, or a bit of joy-filled laughter.  Simple things such as these are clearly “good.”  Ideally, I suppose, the “good” could also be more extravagant: an occupational promotion, the purchase of a new car, or what most would consider the ultimate “good” thing – winning the Powerball Lottery.

But perhaps the promotion means less family time?  Possibly the new car is a poor investment? Maybe the major lottery score will bring more troubles than blessings?

And what about the not-so-good things that come along in a day?  The things that don’t seem to personally benefit a person and which most people would consider bad?  The car breaks down, sickness sidetracks the day, or someone demonstrates profound selfishness instead of kindness? 

When frustrations and setbacks occur instead of apparent progress, are they necessarily something “bad?”  Most in the world would say, “Yes.”  Our God says, “No!”

Are even difficulties “good?”  Most in the world would say, “No.”  Our God says, “Yes!”

God’s Word underscores this truth in a number of different places and a number of different ways.  Here are five applications regarding “something good” happening… regardless of its packaging:

Nothing can interfere with God’s love for his children

“Who [or what] shall separate us from the love of Christ?  Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? … No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:35&37).

Consequently, every situation brings good gifts from God to his people

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights … ” (James 1:17).

And God is always working for the benefit (primarily spiritual!) of his own

“We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

God uses the “bad” to bring about good – drawing his children closer to Him

“It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees” (Psalm 119:71).

Which means God’s people can rejoice, no matter what … because it’s all good!

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4).

All of which is extremely comforting to you and me … whether something “good” or “bad” is happening.  Understanding that it’s all good and always good when our loving Lord is in control makes for happy days and happy years!

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Two additional comments:

First, it’s bitterly ironic that on the morning of the day I am posting this I got a call from the wife of my dear cousin to tell me he had died.  It wasn’t unexpected; he had been battling cancer and taken a turn for the worse.  But it was still a blow.  Most would consider the news “bad.”  And it was bad news for me; it hit me hard.  But it was also wonderful news.  My cousin, a devout believer, is now with Jesus … beyond the suffering and enjoying the first day of an unending salvation.  Not a bad day for him, but a good day!  The very best day of his life actually.

Secondly, I don’t mean to infer in this post that people can do whatever they want, (embrace immorality, disobey God, cast aside love, ignore goodness, etc.) and still be automatically blessed by God.  Rather, my point is that as faith-filled Christians, we can have absolute confidence that our loving Lord is always working on our behalf … providing, protecting, guiding and blessing … even when it seems that not many “good” things, and perhaps even some particularly “bad” things, are occurring on a given day.