the good and the bad

The Good and the Bad

"When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other."
Ecclesiastes 7:14(NIV)

It is hard for people to fathom sometimes that God would allow us to go through bad times. I think the above verse let's us in on a little something, no matter whether times are good or bad, God is in control.

Wise writer Solomon reminds us that we should take advantage of the good times and be happy. Some people can't even seem to do that. But, I think we should cherish, take advantage, and captivate those moments in our lives where times are good and we can enjoy happiness. Life does not promise us constant happiness. Happiness is a feeling that comes and goes with our circumstances or moods. Remembering that God is in the good and bad times though, should change our perspective of enjoying the happy times more and persevering through the bad times with hope.

God does not promise us that if we follow Him or live for Him that we will experience all good times and nothing but happy feelings. As a matter of fact, if we would take some time to read His word, we'd discover that following Jesus might mean the opposite. That we should expect opposition, persecution, trouble, and problems. However, when we understand God is in control and that is His Lord of the good and the bad times, it releases us from the burden of trying to carry or deal with that bad time alone.

God through Jesus Christ has already paid the price for our sins. Jesus became our sin. Death has been defeated. Satan cannot win. Eternal life is available to all who will accept and remain faithful. No problem we face, not tragedy we endure, no problem we encounter, and no bad time can overcome the power, strength, wisdom, hope, and love of God. He is God no matter what happens. He is OUR God through the good and the bad.

So enjoy the good times, be happy when you have those moments and when bad times come along, remember you don't have to face them alone, they are temporary, you have a helper, and God is always and will always be God Almighty.