“All the Time No Matter What”

Date: 11-30-14

Text: — Isaiah 9:6 — For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. [NIV84]

The Big Idea: I know you know that God is Good all the time no matter what.

My Thoughts: 

Out of these majestic titles comes a rather profound and oft quoted truth: “God is Good all the time”: He is a Wonderful Counselor He plans our lives well and in all things works “for the Good of all who Love Him and are called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28 emphasis added).

Because I have found that some add a “footnote” to this “God is Good” (the noxious “except for me” footnote), I needed to add “no matter what” (i.e. “God is Good all the time no matter what). I did this because I am learning that during the ‘working out’ period, He is our Prince of Peace & our Father of Eternity….

And how I was one of these “footnoters”. I would constantly hear the promises of God and almost certainly know that they were clearly for someone else—someone God Loved more than me. Not to place blame but to discover origin, I think this started as a teenager. I had a deep confounding question plaguing me. I brought it to my local perish priest. His answer was so compelling, only adding to my “noxious footnoting.”  He said, “God is too busy running the universe to be concerned for your situation. You need to work it out on your own.” Well, I knew I couldn’t work it out on my own; I had already tried. So clearly, God must Love others more than me….

In coming to a more intimate relationship with the Lord Jesus, I am learning that often in the short run, it doesn’t seem too “good.” (Remember: “Trained by the Pain!?”) Oh, it is good, I just don’t see it ‘now’. So I need to be constantly reminded that the Lord Jesus is in control of the long run. (This is what is meant by the title “Everlasting Father” lit. in Hebrew: “Father of Eternity”—that is, Controller of the long run.) And during the ‘short run’ He is my Prince of Peace, giving me a peace so unlike the world’s ‘peace.’ The Lord Jesus’ Peace guards my heart and my mind preventing me from acting out selfishly or impulsively or destructively.

Lifestyle worshipers, perhaps you have had a struggle like mine. And perhaps like I am doing, you need to go back through your Bible and ‘erase’ all those noxious footnotes from all the promises of God, especially the one that says, “God is Good to all except me”. …

Deep down in your soul I know you know that God is Good all the time no matter what. So no matter what trial you may be in now; no matter what winter is engulfing your moments; no matter what doubts and fears are assaulting your faith: Remember, our Lord Jesus, whose birth we will soon celebrate, is also your Prince of Peace. So confess with confidence that God is Good all the time no matter what.  Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

— Romans 15:13 (NIV84)

  For [Christ Jesus] Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.

— Ephesians  2:14 (NIV84)

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

— John 14:27 (NIV84)

 Lord Jesus Christ, be my Prince of Peace in the midst of my winter. With You as my confident Hope I press on in the darkness clinging to the Truth that You are Good all the time no matter what. I praise Your Name for Your Faithfulness, Amen.

Pastor Mike