Everywhere for Good

             I recently started rereading a book called The Eloquent President by Ronald White.  The author takes Lincoln’s various writings one by one, weaving biographical details with observations about each particular work.  He begins with Lincoln’s farewell address at Springfield, Illinois, on February 11, 1861.  Lincoln introduces a description of God as “that Divine Being” and then presents a very fundamental understanding of the goodness of this Being:  “Trusting in Him, who can go with me, and remain with you and be everywhere for good.”  Lincoln was leaving a town that he loved, that nurtured him and his family for 24 years, and doing so brought him some sadness.  Reflecting on God's good presence must have offered him comfort as he departed.

            The word “good” doesn’t seem to have any grandness about it.  We throw it around in our conversations all the time:  the movie was good, the custard was really good, the teacher is good at what she does.  Some definitions for this word are “morally excellent,” “of good quality,” “proper or right.”  Despite the simplicity of this ordinary term, for me it has carried a great value in a few Bible verses that have become “hidden in my heart” over the years.

            In the book of Jeremiah before the people of God are taken into captivity, God’s prophet relayed God’s message to them:  “For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (Jer. 29:11 NAS).  The first time I really noticed this verse, I was impressed with the strong contrast just these few words revealed.  God plans good things; He wants good things for us.  When bad things happen, it is not because he would want it so. 

            That may seem very simplistic.  It certainly doesn’t fit with some of the “notions” we have about God and His part in the events of life.  Of course, this does not explain everything or even close to everything.  But to me, it provides a standard of measurement, something to use in determining what God’s will is or might be.

            I have read that Lincoln spent many nights during his presidency pouring over verses of scripture and works of William Shakespeare, a curious combination even to me, a former English teacher.  Perhaps a common element between these two sources was their exposition on some of the deepest emotions and experiences of our human condition.  Perhaps Lincoln was looking for some “support” as he carried so much responsibility and concern for our country.  Maybe he wrestled with where God was amid so much death and destruction right here on our own soil. 

            It might be helpful some time to start a little list of verses including the word “good.”  Instead of trying to make sense of what happens in our world—for good and for evil—we might find such a list helpful to “hear” what God has to say about Himself and the world He created.  I hope Lincoln never lost his belief in the good presence of God and His desire to bring about goodness for everyone, everywhere.