“God is good all the time” is a powerful declaration that has touched many lives around the world. This song was written by Don Moen, one of the most celebrated American gospel singers and songwriters.
1.1 The Inspiration Behind the Song
As with most of his compositions, Don Moen’s “God is Good All the Time” was inspired by a specific event in his life. According to him, the idea for the song came during one of his visits to Ghana, West Africa, where he had been invited to lead worship at a conference.
During the trip, Don witnessed firsthand the hardships that the locals endured daily. Despite the struggles they faced, ranging from poverty to social injustice, Don saw their undying faith in God and the hope they held onto despite everything.
“The message of the song really resonated because I saw first-hand the incredible faith of people who love God even when things aren’t going well for them. They trust Him no matter what,” says Don about his inspiration for the song.
After experiencing all of these emotions, Don felt compelled to write a song that would help people focus on God’s goodness despite challenging circumstances.
1.2 The Song Writing Process
For Don, writing “God is Good All the Time” was a straightforward process. The melody and lyrics came to him naturally as he reflected on his experiences in Ghana. He did not set out with any preconceived ideas or structure for the song, but rather let it flow freely.
According to him, writing music is “an emotional experience that flows from your heart when you open your spirit towards God.” This statement explains the depth of emotion that every line of the song carries.
“I went back to my hotel room after the first night’s conference, and the chorus of the song just hit me! I wrote down the words, then at 3 am, they became part of the verse,” Don shares about the song.
1.3 The Impact of the Song
Once written, “God is Good All the Time” quickly became one of Moen’s most popular songs. Its message resonated with people worldwide, providing them with hope, joy, and peace despite overwhelming trials and tribulations.
Through this song’s verses, millions have found solace by acknowledging that even though difficult circumstances arise, God never changes; His love remains steadfast all the time.
“…many people told us how comforted they were to hear these words, especially those who had lost loved ones during a tragic event,” says Moen about how his song impacted people after events such as 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Over the years, “God is Good All the Time” has become more than just a song; It is now an anthem that provides Christians worldwide with much-needed assurance that only comes from faith in Jesus Christ.
◆Conclusion:
“God is good all the time” is a powerful declaration of faith and trust in the goodness of God. Don Moen’s song has impacted millions around the world, providing them with hope and assurance that God’s love never changes.
2. Why This Song Is So Popular Among Christians?
2.1 The Meaningful Lyrics
“God is Good All the Time” has become one of the most beloved Christian songs. The lyrics are simple yet powerful, reminding listeners of God’s constant presence and love in their lives:
“God is good all the time He put a song of praise in this heart of mine God is good all the time Through the darkest night, His light will shine”
This message resonates strongly with many Christians who have experienced difficult times but find comfort in knowing that God’s goodness lasts forever.
2.2 The Catchy Melody
Beyond its meaningful lyrics, this hit song also boasts a catchy melody that cannot be ignored. The upbeat tune makes it easy for listeners to sing along, creating a sense of unity among worshippers in church services or concerts. Perhaps one reason why the song remains so popular is because it combines an uplifting melody with inspirational lyrics that uplift the soul.
2.3 The Connection to Christian Faith
“God is Good All the Time” connects deeply with the Christian faith. One of the central messages of Christianity is that God is always present in our lives, and his goodness endures despite trials and tribulations. With these themes at the forefront, “God is Good All the Time” has become more than just a song; it has become an anthem for those seeking solace in their faith. In essence, it helps to solidify the notion of God’s eternal love and guides people towards strengthening their religious beliefs.
2.4 The Emotional Response it Elicits
Songs can evoke various emotions among listeners, whether sadness or joy. “God is Good All the Time” is one such example as it has an exceptional ability to garner positive emotional responses from listeners. The lyrics and melody combine to create a sense of warmth that affirms God’s love. It brings hope, assurance, and rekindles faith among worshippers in times when they feel lost or alone. Typically, churchgoers have been known to sway, raise their hands or even dance along while singing this song during worship services.
“God is Good All the Time” remains widely regarded as an all-time favorite Christian song because of its meaningful lyrics, catchy melody, deep connection to the Christian faith, and the emotional response it elicits in listeners. It serves as an uplifting anthem for anyone seeking comfort in tough situations or reassurance in their faith. Its longevity is well-merited considering how it has inspired thousands if not millions of Christians around the world, with no doubt it will continue to do so for years to come.
3. The Message of the Song
This inspiring tune reminds us that God’s goodness never ceases even during difficult times.
As believers, it’s essential to have a firm understanding of God’s character, which includes His goodness. With this in mind, let’s delve deeper and explore some insights on why faith and prayer are crucial elements in our spiritual journeys.
3.1 The Importance of Faith
The song “God Is Good All The Time” highlights faith as an essential aspect of an individual’s relationship with God. When trials and tribulations come our way, it is our faith that keeps us anchored and hopeful.
In Hebrews 11:1, we learn that “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” What this means is that although we may not always see results or blessings immediately, we trust in God’s promises because He has proven faithful time and again. It takes courage to hold onto our faith especially when life doesn’t make sense; however, relying on God’s word can provide us with comfort and peace.
“Faith isn’t seeing everything clearly and knowing exactly what’s going to happen — sometimes faith is taking the first step.” – Peyton Jones
Hence, cultivating and growing in our faith walk with Christ is vital since it provides us with the ability to withstand any adversity we may face through resilience and perseverance. As the Bible states in James 1:3-4 “you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
The Power of Prayer
Another essential aspect of our walk with God is prayer. In “God Is Good All The Time,” Don Moen emphasizes the power and importance of prayer in strengthening our relationship with God.
Just as we communicate with family or friends, prayer is a means of communicating with our Heavenly Father. Through prayer, we can express our thanksgiving, praises, requests, and concerns to God. Psalm 107:28-30 expresses the impact of prayer by stating, “Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress… He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.”
“Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference.” – Max Lucado
In other words, prayer ensures that we have an active and thriving connection with God. It’s a channel for us to seek His guidance, wisdom, comfort, and provision. Having an active prayer life also enables us to discern his will for our lives. Consequently, this empowers us to fulfill our purpose on earth through Him.
We must always remind ourselves that God is good all the time. We should continue to believe in him regardless of how the circumstances look like and all we have to do is offer up our prayers and believe Him at His word and allow Him to guide us through any difficulty that comes our way.
To wrap things up, “God Is Good All The Time” teaches us about faith and prayer, which are two crucial elements in our journey with Christ. Faith builds resilience while giving hope during adversity; hence it’s necessary for us to nurture it. Prayer, on the other hand, ensures that we have an active relationship with God and helps us discern His will in our lives.
Remember, regardless of life’s circumstances, God is good all the time, and when we walk by faith while praying unceasingly, we can confidently rest assured that He is working everything out for our good (Romans 8:28).
4. How This Song Can Help You In Your Daily Life
If you’ve been feeling a bit down lately or experiencing some tough times, listening to “God Is Good All The Time” can help uplift your spirits. This inspiring song reminds us that even during the most difficult moments in life, God is always with us and we can find comfort in His loving embrace.
4.1 Encouragement During Tough Times
We all go through rough patches in life – whether it be struggling at work, relationship problems, or health issues. It’s important to remember that difficulties are only temporary and we will get through them eventually. Listening to “God Is Good All The Time” is a great way to stay encouraged and motivated during these challenging times.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” – James 1:2-3
The lyrics of this song remind us that no matter what happens, we can trust in God’s goodness and love for us. Even when things don’t go according to plan, there’s a bigger picture at play – one that we may not always understand but can trust is for our ultimate good.
4.2 A Reminder to Stay Positive
It can be easy to slip into negativity and cynicism, especially when we’re bombarded with bad news on a daily basis. But staying positive can make all the difference in how we approach life. “God Is Good All The Time” encourages us to focus on the good things in life – the blessings we have right now, rather than dwelling on the negatives.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8
By keeping our minds focused on the positive aspects of life, we can cultivate a sense of gratitude and joy that spreads to those around us. This positivity can make all the difference in how we experience life.
4.3 Inspiration to Keep Moving Forward
The journey of life is not always smooth sailing – there will be setbacks, obstacles, and failures along the way. However, it’s important to keep moving forward and never give up. “God Is Good All The Time” encourages us to persevere through the tough times and trust that God has a plan for our lives.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
This song reminds us that even when we don’t see the way forward, God is leading us step by step towards our destiny. By staying steadfast in our faith and trusting that God has good things in store for us, we can overcome any obstacle that comes our way.
● “God Is Good All The Time” is an uplifting and inspiring song that can help us stay encouraged during difficult times, focus on the positive aspects of life, and continue moving forward towards our goals and dreams.
● So the next time life gets tough, take a few minutes to listen to this powerful song and remember that no matter what happens, God is indeed good – all the time.
5.. What Makes Worship Music So Timeless?
5.1 The Universal Appeal
One of the reasons why gospel music remains relevant and timeless to date is its universal appeal.
These songs may be intended for Christian, but they have themes that resonate with people from different backgrounds regardless of their faith. For instance, another popular song “God Will Make A Way” talks about hope and trust in God during trying times. These are concepts that can apply to everyone, irrespective of their religious beliefs.
It connects with listeners emotionally through gospel music is another reason for the broad appeal. Gospel songs help people deal with challenging situations such as heartbreak, financial struggles, illness, among others, encouraging them to keep trusting in God, even when life seems difficult.
5.2 The Timeless Themes
Another factor contributing to gospel music’s timelessness is its timeless themes. Gospel music has been around for many years, yet the messages conveyed remain relevant today. The central message of this music is that God is good all the time, no matter what one is going through.
This simple message of hope, love, and gratitude cuts across generations and cultures, making it relatable across many years. Listening to a gospel song makes you feel like it is crafted just for you, even if it was released before your birth.
“With every passing year, Moen’s songs continue to encourage me despite having listened to them numerous times,” says Sarah, an avid Don Moen fan
Furthermore, Moen’s seamless incorporation of scripture into his lyrics contributes to his music’s enduring relevance. He borrows heavily from the Bible, especially the Psalms, in his writing, creating music that is both timeless and rooted in faith.
Gospel music has had a significant influence on Christian culture worldwide. Gospel songs have been translated into different languages, making them accessible to people from all corners of the globe. They’ve been used during church services, concerts, and inspirational meetings, helping bring people together to worship and praise God.
Gospel music remains timeless because it speaks to humanity’s collective needs for hope, love, and inspiration—qualities that never go out of style.
The Bible paints a God’s goodness is wide brushstrokes of love even in dark times. And we all have faced dark times.
● Was God still good when He allowed Satan to afflict Job with suffering?
○ Was God still good when He didn’t answer Paul’s prayer to remove the torment of Satan via the thorn in the flesh?
● Was God good when He allowed His Son Jesus Christ to die a horrible death on the cross?
Now personalize it. Is God still good if you lose your job, lose your home, can’t have a child, or the doctor says you have COVID or three months to live?
Yes, because His goodness is deeply rooted throughout your trials and your joys.
God loves you so much that He will grow you and sanctify you abundantly until eternity—then He will reward you for your faithfulness.
Yes, GOD is good.
●God is good all the time. It’s easy to see God’s goodness when life is tastes like a cold glass of lemonade / red wine.
• When our hearts are happy our eyes are open to His glorious presence, His plan for our lives, and the beauty of His creation all around us.
• But sometimes we feel life is just so hard. It’s in these times we must hold fast to this simple truth: God is good all the time.
●How is He good when a plane crashes in the Alps and all 150 aboard die ¹ —yet the national soccer team that was supposed to be on that plane missed their flight?
[Note ¹ : March 24, 2015 . Germanwings Flight 4U9525: Airbus A320 crash in French Alps kills 150 aboard.
1 black box located before search suspended for the night.
●144 passengers, 6 crew members on board
●Crash site in a remote snowy area of the southern French Alps
●1 flight recorder located
●Search suspended for night, body recovery expected to take days
An Airbus operated by Lufthansa's Germanwings budget airline crashed into a mountainside in the French Alps on Tuesday, killing all 150 people on board including 16 schoolchildren.
Germanwings confirmed its flight 4U 9525 from Barcelona to Duesseldorf went down with 144 passengers and six crew on board.
One of the plane's black box recorders has been found at the crash site, about 100 km north of the Riviera city of Nice, and will be examined immediately, France's interior minister said.
Plane 'ripped apart'
Aerial photographs showed smouldering wreckage and a piece of the fuselage with six windows strewn across the steep mountainside cut by ravines.
"We saw an aircraft that had literally been ripped apart, the bodies are in a state of destruction, there is not one intact piece of wing or fuselage," Brice Robin, prosecutor for the city of Marseille, told Reuters after flying over the wreckage in a helicopter. Full details here ]
Christians say, “Wow isn’t God good?” Or in my own personal life, I struggled with God’s goodness. In a span of two years, my husband and I both suffered major health complications. The hospital became a revolving door, and I was left to question how good is God in the midst of all this suffering? Others pointed out, “Thank God they found your brain infection in time, isn’t God so good?” Or “Thank God, Chris’ medical team was able to give him a defibrillator. God is so good.”
●Yet, I questioned, why did He allow me to get that sick in the first place, or why couldn’t have God healed Chris’ heart before we got to this point. Perhaps the hardest circumstance is the death of a loved one. We lost our father-in-law in the midst of the pandemic. Instead of being surrounded by family for a funeral, we were isolated and left to question why he passed as tragically as he had. Yet, others pointed out, “Wow, isn’t God good to give you seventeen additional years with him?” But is this WHY God is good? Because He held our hands in the midst of our suffering? I say, yes. He revealed the good and His hand of goodness in all situations, even in our grief.
●God is good because God Himself says He is Good. The Bible doesn’t just say that God does good things. It says that God IS good. It’s not just what He does; it’s who He is—and who He is never changes. In a world of change and inconsistency, He is constant, He doesn’t change.
What Does the Bible Say about God's Goodness?
● Jesus declared in Luke 18:19 and 1 John 1:5 that “No one is good—except God alone,” and “God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.” , respectively. What does it mean?
According to Merriam Webster, the definition of “God" is “the being in perfect power, wisdom, and goodness who is worshipped as creator and ruler of the universe.” To say that God is good means God always acts in a way that is true, noble, right, and good. Goodness is a part of His nature and He cannot contradict His nature. Righteousness and holiness are a part of His nature too. He cannot do anything that is unholy or unrighteous. Let’s look at a few more key Scriptures:
“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him” (Psalm 34:8).
”For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations” (Psalm 100:5).
“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him” (Nahum 1:7).
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).
“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:4-5).
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1).
“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him” (1 John 4:9).
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).
These are just a few verses about the intrinsic goodness of God.
● So, the question that begs to be asked is this: If God is good then why is life hard?
Jason Helveston says, “life is hard because God is good.”
● Another writer states, “In other words, God has “intentionally shaped the world in such a way that effort would be required to accomplish significant change, progress, and renewal.”
● We should “never pray away … difficulty” but “embrace it, discern its purpose, look to Jesus, and pray to be made more like him through it all.”
● God is good because He is God. It is our humanity that paints Him otherwise because we are the ones who created sin and evil. When sin entered God’s perfect creation, He had a plan to redeem humanity.
● The Gospel reveals this “good news,” where God sent His Son to become the perfect and blameless sacrifice so we could be forgiven of our sins.
● God does not want anyone to perish but everyone to come willingly to have everlasting life in Him.
● In His plan of salvation, He didn’t say our lives would be good all time. Instead, He warned us that in this life we will have trouble.
● We will have sickness, freak accidents, death, pain, hurt feelings, and face disappointments; but God promised He has plans to prosper us and not to harm us.
● God promised He would walk with us and He promised to redeem us in this fallen world. Our walk with Him will lead us over mountains high and through valleys low.
● The Lord doesn’t promise us a life of joy, without sorrow. However, He promised to stand beside us through it all.
● In fact, He reminds us in 2 Corinthians 9:8 that He wants to bless us abundantly so that we will have all we need and abound in every good work. But what does that really mean?
What Is the Context of 2 Corinthians 9:8?
John MacArthur wrote, “God’s goodness is that He is the perfect sum, source, and standard (for Himself and His creatures) of that which is wholesome (conducive to well-being), virtuous, beneficial, and beautiful.”
● God has never stopped being good and He wants good for us.
2 Corinthians 9:8 says, “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
●This passage tells us God will reward us for giving to others as He has commanded. Paul says that God is able instead of God will because we were assigned to do His will and reflect His glory in all that we do. At the same time, He tells us we will have all that we need. ● We don’t need to be afraid of loss, death, illness, and disappointment because He is with us in those times and He is working all things together for our good.
● He gives us good things both spiritual and earthly in nature.
What Are Ways God Shows His Goodness to Us?
●Not only is God with us in our joy, but He is also there in the midst of our pain and disappointment too.
Think about what you have been through lately. Have you gotten a promotion, a raise, a new car, a new home, a healthy baby delivered into your arms?
Have you finally gotten the job you’ve always wanted?
Did you receive enough money to cover a bill, get groceries, or come home to a warm home?
Did you wake up today with breath in your lungs?
Then yes, God is good.
These are just the infinitely little details He works out for each of us even in the middle of a pandemic or other major crisis.
God’s goodness is much more than a fleeting feeling or a comfortable moment. God’s goodness exceeds any desire we could dream.
Once upon a time, during the 1960s and ’70s, a television commercial for an antacid gave us the phrase “Try it, you’ll like it.” The commercial’s catch phrase was so famous it transcended the advertisement and ended up being used to entice us to try other things. I used the phrase to urge my boys to eat a green vegetable. Friends use the phrase to encourage me to try an exercise class.
The phrase intends to encourage us to take a taste, try it, enjoy the experience because when you do, you will want more.
● And so it is with the goodness of God. Psalm 34:8 urges us to “Taste and see…” The writer is saying, “Take one look, know and experience.” Because when you do, you will know how good God is.
