Good God Almighty

And there it was, on the radio, coming home from Domino's.

"Good God almighty. I hope You'll find me, praising Your name no matter what comes!"

Anyone who knows me knows how powerful music is in my life. God has blessed me through music more times than I can remember. Sometimes its a simple reminder of who He is. Sometimes its more poignant, like who I am in Him. Last night, driving the 8 miles home from the local Domino's with a hot pizza in the passenger seat, I heard it - a reminder of my responsibility.

The lyrics to David Crowder's "Good God Almighty" struck a chord, quite literally. God calls us to be joyful, to mind our attitude, and to always praise Him, not because we like where we are or are happy with our circumstances, but because joy, contentedness, and love are choices we make everyday. And we make those choices according to His word, not because we have the strength to be joyful, content, and to love, but because He lives in us and gives us His power to be.

In Philippians 4, Paul reminds us that it is God's gift to us to be content in all things. "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." (vv. 11-13, NIV)

In Mark 12, the physician hears it straight from Christ's own mouth. "The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." (v. 31, NIV)

In Nehemiah 8, the priest Ezra read God's word to the Israelites who were free for the first time in generations. "Then he said to them, 'Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (v 10, NKJV)

These three passages are reminders that no matter what comes, we can rejoice in the goodness of God, be thankful for everything He has given us whether much or little, and life a life of joy. If the Israelites could find a reason to celebrate after living lives ignorant of God's law for generations, then we can find joy in anything - even living our lives ignorant of God's plan for us. Be joyful that He finally put you on the right path. Be content that His path is the best path for you. And love everyone and everything that He puts on that path. Anything else is, well, merciless.

(Photo: depositphotos)