Why I Cringe When You Say, “God is Good”

I often see Christians post on social media, “God is good” and, to be honest, it often makes me cringe. I don’t cringe because I disagree with the statement. Obviously, God is good! And I don’t cringe because someone is giving glory to God. I’m so glad they are giving glory to God.

Here is why I cringe…

I cringe because it seems to only be said when something pleasant happens. We’ve probably all said things like:

“Getting to spend time with my family. God is good.”

“Just got a good report from the doctor. God is good.”

“Just found out I’m getting a a big tax return. God is good.”

“Looks like I got the job. God is good.”

There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with any of these statements. But there is something wrong if we only acknowledge the goodness of God when pleasant things happen in our lives. It is just as important – if not more important – for us to acknowledge God’s goodness during the difficult times in our lives as well.

But, honestly, how often do we post things like:

“I just lost my grandfather. God is good.”

“Looks like I will owe more taxes than I thought. God is good.”

“My baby is sick. God is good.”

I don’t know that I have ever seen anyone post, “God is good” after reporting bad news.

Consider Jeremiah

Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, wrote the book of Lamentations after the city of Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians. It is a book of weeping and mourning that speaks of God’s severe discipline on His people. Yet in the midst of his lamenting, Jeremiah wrote: