Weekly Devotion: How Can I Taste God's Goodness in My Suffering?

By: GS Gerry

How do we trust God after child loss?

Before we dive in, let’s talk about where Psalm 34 begins. Let’s talk context because the verse we’re anchoring this question in is Psalm 34:8. It doesn’t open in comfort. It doesn’t unfold in safety. It’s written in the mess. 

David has just fled for his life. He stands before King Achish of Gath, a hostile king in enemy territory, and has to act like a complete madman. He’s scratching at the gates and letting spit run down his beard…just to avoid being killed. David is humiliated. Hunted. Alone. And this; THIS is the backdrop for “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” It’s not exactly the setting you’d expect for praising God’s goodness.

But maybe…that’s the point.

Psalm 34 reminds us that praise isn’t just reserved for the easy days. It’s forged in the furnace. And let me tell you something. That is the truth that anchors me this particular Father’s Day. Not a truth built on ease, but one forged in adversity.

Psalm 34 isn’t about understanding God’s plan. It's about trusting it when everything looks chaotic. When nothing makes sense.

Because trust doesn’t begin with answers. It begins with surrender.

This Father's Day Hits Different

May 2nd, 2025, our daughter Mellody Joy went home into the arms of Jesus. She was just 52 days old. Our sixth child. Our beautiful girl. And nothing prepares you for that kind of pain.

This is my 20th Father's Day and I admit, this certainly is not the one I expected to face. It’s filled with grief. And yet, somehow…it’s also filled with gratitude.

Because in the heartbreak, I’ve seen God's goodness.

In the stillness, I’ve heard His whisper.

In the silence, I’ve tasted His mercy.

Psalm 34:8 (NKJV)says:“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him.”

You might ask, how can I taste and see God’s goodness when my heart is shattered? When my world is tossed upside down and I’m in the midst of the greatest battle of my life?

I know this is bad form, but stick with me for a moment and allow me to answer your question with another question: 

Will you surrender to Him?

Will you trust in Him even when you don’t understand the what or the why?

Will you trust that while you don’t understand, God does?

I don’t know why. But I know Who.

It’s easy, oh so easy, to focus on the why. 

Why did we only get 52 days with Mellody?

Why wasn’t her healing here on earth?

Why this pain, this loss, this brokenness?

And you know what? I don’t know the reason why. I wasn’t privy to those answers.

But I’ve learned that knowing why isn't nearly as important as knowing who God is.

He is faithful.

He is present.

He is good—yes, even here.

And Mellody? She was fearfully and wonderfully made. Her life was purposeful. Powerful. Precious. And while our arms ache to hold her, we know she’s held in the arms of Jesus. That is goodness. In fact, we know this isn’t goodbye but just an acknowledgement that we will see her again. 

Her short life made an eternal impact. And that is God’s goodness on display. 

So this Father’s Day, I choose to rejoice! Not because it’s easy, but because I’ve seen His goodness firsthand. I’ve tasted His faithfulness. And I know the story isn’t over. God’s not done. Mellody’s legacy lives on; and so does our hope.

A Faith That Doesn’t Flinch

When David wrote these words in Psalms 34, he didn’t have clarity. He had chaos. But he also had confidence. Not in his circumstances, but in God’s character.

Psalm 34 reminds us that trusting God isn't about everything making sense.

It’s about praising Him in the tension.

It’s about seeking Him in the sorrow.

It’s about surrendering. Fully surrendering to the One who sees the whole picture.

I’ll be honest. There are days when the grief is heavy and the silence is deafening. But this Father’s Day, I don’t need answers.

Because I know the One who holds them.

God, thank You for being near to the brokenhearted and for never leaving me in my pain. Thank You that Your goodness isn’t conditional, but constant. Help me to see it in the mess, the loss, and the in-between. Thank You for the gift of my child and the truth that You are still good. Even here. Especially here. Thank You for the promise of eternity. God, I don’t always understand Your ways. But I trust that You are good. Help me surrender my need for answers and simply rest in Your arms.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Dig Deeper into How to Navigate What is Ahead with Real Hope

Reflection Questions:

1. What would it look like for you to taste God’s goodness in the middle of your mess?

2. Where in your life are you waiting for answers? Can you surrender the need to know why, and instead trust Who?

Put Your Faith Into Action:

This week, take a moment to write down three places where you’ve seen God’s hand in your life…even when it hurt. Let those reminders lift your eyes back to the One who never lets go.

Write down one area of your life that feels unresolved or confusing. Then declare this truth over it:

“I don’t understand this, but I trust that God does.”

Pray over that situation every day this week and ask God to reveal His goodness in it.

Further Reading:

Psalm 34:18

Romans 8:28

Lamentations 3:22–23

Ecclesiastes 7:1

Verse to meditate on and memorize:

Isaiah 49:15-16

​​G. S. Gerry is an Amazon best-selling, award-winning author, Navy veteran, and father of six. Known for his genre-defying storytelling that blends humor, chaos, and faith, Gerry creates books that confront life’s hardest truths in real, raw, and unforgettable ways. Through his writing and personal journey, he’s passionate about pointing people to the unwavering goodness of God in every season.