I opened a lap top I haven’t used for a while and found a sticky note below the keyboard that said, “Stay securely anchored in the goodness of God or your theology will be reduced to the level of your pain”.
This quote from an unknown friend must have impacted me deeply at one time just as it does as I read it again now.
How does one stay anchored in the goodness of God when the tides of life thrash against it?
I asked God this question in the form of a prayer and His answer to me was that I needed to cut the rode that had me anchored to my own goodness.
Yikes!!! Do I really think that I trust my own goodness more than I trust the goodness of God? I would be quick to answer of course not!! BUT, do I think, given the power, I could have designed a less traumatic story for my friend who recently died a brutal death, I have to confess my temptation to say yes.
I want to stay anchored in the goodness of God. I need His grace to hold me there.
As I examine my own thoughts I am asking these three questions:
Is it possible that this story that looks so not good to me has a redemptive purpose in the grand scheme of the goodness of God?
Is it probable that this story that looks so not good to me has a redemptive purpose in the grand scheme of the goodness of God?
Is it providence that this story that looks so not good to me has a redemptive purpose in the grand scheme of the goodness of God?
God is good because God is good. My assessment of His behavior does nothing to change His character.
I can choose to stay anchored in His goodness or lower my theology to the level of my pain.
I invite your response. Let’s talk.
Silverstrands 
Your 2 posts today came at a time when I’m feeling somewhat overwhelmed by a series of difficult events all occurring within the past 24 hours including the death of a friend for 45 years, the announcement that close family members will be moving away, learning that a dear friend’s cancer treatment must be postponed due to the scary side effects she is experiencing, having to sign a contract for tens of thousands of dollars for repairs to recent flood damage to our house, and then experiencing costly damage to a vehicle. “Trying to stay anchored when the tides (literally!) of life thrash against it.” Yup, that about says it. CHOOSING to stay anchored against the rising level of pain. Thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you for your response. I always feel like there should be some kind of quota on how much happens to any one person at any one time but that is not how life works. I will stand in the gap for you tonight. Thank you for choosing to stay anchored. I pray you will encounter God’s Presence in a very real way during these trials.
A quota! Yes, I like it!! Found a little breathing space. Got a little sleep. Heard from good friends. Was able to laugh with my sister over the phone. Grief and troubles shared do feel lighter. The sadness and pain haven’t gone away. The assurance that God is always with us through it all remains also.
Thank you for this honest response. May you encounter His Presence tonight in deeper ways. Grateful for you.
I have 2 people in my life who are feeling the waves of life’s trash crashing down on them. Thank you as always. I will forward this to them and pray they feel Abba’s Love, Mercy and Grace
Thanks for your consistent encouragement and for helping to broaden the potential for help. Hopefully we can begin a dialogue and help each other. Love you