His Heart Is Good

 

Guest Post by Lisa Easterling

I recently read a passage from the book Sacred Romance, in which John Eldredge shares how we can love and trust God when oftentimes what He allows to happen to us feels like betrayal. Mr. Eldredge said he was questioned about how we can trust a lover who is so wild, to which he responds that we could, if we knew His heart was good.

I pondered this for a long time, mulling it over in my mind, thinking back over my life at the times when I felt like He had failed me. It wasn’t so much bitter anger as it was disappointment. My hope in Him felt dashed against sharp rocks.

Watching a baby daughter die in my arms, losing far too young the only brother who treated me like a sister, watching the life drain from my sweet mother’s face…it felt too much like being let down by the One I’m supposed to be able to trust with everything, in every moment.

But if I know His heart is good…

Do I know His heart is good? Do I know His heart?

I have a lot to think about as I meditate on the question of how well I know Him, how well I understand His heart, His will, His intent, the depth of His love for me.

I think of my husband. Yes, I know his heart. And I know it is good.

It’s why we don’t argue.
It’s why we don’t get bent over stupid stuff.
It’s why I want so much to make his home comfortable, his life happy.

If something comes up to draw his motive or action or words into question, I instinctively balance it against what I know of this man who holds my heart in his gentle hands, my soul mate, my husband of nearly thirty-two years. I know his heart, and that tells me what his intent was–or was not–and it makes all the difference.

If I know this so unquestionably of my husband, how can I not be a million times more certain of my Father?

If I know Him at all, I should know His heart.

His Word tells me He does not slumber, nor does He sleep. His Word. His letter to me that tells me everything about His character and intent toward His children.

Toward me.

It tells me I am safe. Whatever blindsides me in this fallen world, whatever the losses or let-downs or answerless questions, I remain in His keeping.

Because of all the things I know or have ever known, I know most of all that His heart is good.

 

Do you know His heart?

 

Lisa EasterlingLisa Easterling is a lifelong resident of the Tampa Bay area alongside her husband Steve, five children, and two grandchildren. A pioneer for home education in Florida, she has served in various areas of Christian ministry for the past 32 years. Lisa is a lifelong writer and creative writing coach, currently serving as Associate Editor for Write Where It Hurts. Her favorite place to write is near the ocean, and she particularly loves helping others to fall in love with words. Lisa blogs at www.writepraylove.com and can be reached by emailingblue@lisaeasterling.com.

 

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4 thoughts on “His Heart Is Good

  1. Oh sweet friend,

    I cannot fathom the loss. It grieves my heart to know you have walked through so much, have had to surrender so very much.

    It warms me to the tip of my toes though, that God has given you a Jesus-man that reflects His character. Someone to walk these days with you. Reminds me of my own precious husband. After years of abusive relationships, I stumbled into God’s path for my life and found my Matt. The poor man paid dearly for all the baggage others had deposited. He gently reminded though, when I was quick to assume the worst, to match my insecurities, fears, doubts against his character. When I did, they paled. Shrunk away. Every. Single. Time. Praise God for men who love Jesus, and love us too!

    Love,
    Jo Ann

    • I am eternally grateful that God brought Steve into my life while we were yet so young. I hate to think of what could have happened to me had much more time passed, given what I had already been through in my first 15 years. It brings me great joy to focus my thoughts on the blessings, on the rescue, on the amazing life He has granted me in spite–or perhaps even because–of all the anguish. What an awesome God He is! I praise Him for bringing me to WWIH. Thank you, my dear friend, for all you do.

    • It is an honor to share this journey, my friend. Thank you for your encouragement. It is because of such kind words that we all are inspired to continue sharing our stories and reminding others that we are all connected heart to heart.

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