In what ways can we remind ourselves of God's goodness during trials? Let Your Soul Return to Rest Psalm 116:7: “Return to your rest, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.” Trials rattle the heart; this verse calls the heart back. David tells his own soul to settle down because God’s goodness has not changed. That same invitation is ours in hard seasons. What Returning to Rest Looks Like • Pause and breathe—literally slow the body so the mind can hear truth (Isaiah 30:15). • Speak Scripture aloud; the spoken Word pushes back anxious thoughts (Matthew 4:4). • Remember specific times God has already rescued you (1 Samuel 17:37). • Re-align expectations: God’s character, not circumstances, sets the tone for the day (Hebrews 13:8). Practices That Keep God’s Goodness in View • Rehearse Past Deliverances – Write them down; read the list when fear rises (Psalm 77:11-12). • Sing Truth – Songs plant doctrine in the emotions (Colossians 3:16). • Scripture Memory Cards – Keep verses where eyes land often—mirror, dashboard, phone lock screen (Proverbs 7:3). • Testimony Conversations – Tell others what He has done; hearing yourself say it reinforces faith (Psalm 40:10). • Gratitude Before Petition – Thank God for known mercies before asking for new ones (Philippians 4:6-7). Verses That Anchor the Soul • Lamentations 3:22-23 — His mercies “are new every morning.” • Psalm 34:8 — “Taste and see that the LORD is good.” • Romans 8:28 — He works “all things” for good to those who love Him. • James 1:17 — Every “good and perfect gift” comes from the Father. • Isaiah 26:3 — Perfect peace for the mind that stays on Him. • 2 Corinthians 4:17 — Present troubles are “light and momentary” compared to eternal glory. Why Trials Cannot Cancel God’s Goodness • His nature is goodness itself (Exodus 34:6). Circumstances shift; He does not. • The cross settled the question forever—if He gave His Son, He will not withhold lesser gifts (Romans 8:32). • Trials refine faith, proving it genuine and bringing praise to God (1 Peter 1:6-7). • Suffering believers still see “the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living” (Psalm 27:13). Moving Forward Return, remind, rehearse. When the soul wanders into worry, call it back with the unchanging goodness of God, spoken and sung, written and remembered. |
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