Praise the LORD,

for the LORD is good.

               Psalm 135.3

(Good is not an adjective,

      describing the LORD.

Good is a noun,

      who God is.

              God is good.

Even in the hard stuff,

God works out of

                 His goodness,

     His character,

     not just His resources.

He brings healing

    to this broken world

and His redeeming

       to this present darkness.

We can trust Him

     that no matter what unfolds,

God is still in control

                and we are not.

He is working goodness

      all the way through it

in tremendous ways

            we cannot yet see.

God reminds us in scripture,

"Do not even think

      about doing this on your own.

                I am with you."

Praise does not give us

         a positive outlook

         or different perspective,

praising God releases in us

                 a new heart.)

O LORD,

Help us to live in the reality

     of who You are.

Help us to not just seek

        goodness around us,

                  but to see You.

Guide us through these hard places

       to a deeper intimacy with You.

May we know Your strength in this.

And praise You

                all the way through

       for Your glory.