If you grew up in a Christian home, you may have learned this childhood prayer: “God is great. God is good. Let us thank him for our food. Amen.” While simplistic, this prayer covers one key characteristic of God: his goodness.

Is it really true that God is good all the time? Absolutely—but many people don’t live like they believe it. 

It can be hard to believe in God’s goodness for many reasons, including when we’re in pain. We forget it when we’re in conflict. We think it’s for everyone else except us when we’re depressed. And when we’re worried or stressed out, we can’t seem to find—much less think about—God’s goodness, even when it’s right in front of us.

So how can we trust in God’s goodness when we don’t feel it? God’s Word reminds us of his goodness over and over: “The Lord is always good. He is always loving and kind, and his faithfulness goes on and on to each succeeding generation” (Psalm 100:5 TLB).

Focusing on God’s goodness is so important to your life and ministry because it gives you perspective in your darkest days, when you need it the most. When you forget God’s goodness, it causes all kinds of difficulties.

God wants to give you a life of confidence. He wants to give you assurance. He wants to protect you. He wants to give you a life of influence and abundance. He wants to give you a life filled with generosity. Who doesn’t want that? Who doesn’t need that?

When you believe and understand the goodness of God, it will revolutionize your life and your relationships. You won’t be the same!