Man is guilty and condemned by God. The whole earth groans and suffers under the curse of sin. Since the world and all its inhabitants suffer under the wrath of God, why do good things happen? If nature is “red in tooth and claw” and survival is only of the fittest as claimed by those who believe there is no God, why are do any good things occur?

Consider the many good things that occur across the globe. Every spring the flowers bloom in a vibrant panorama of loveliness. In winter the snow covers the earth in a blanket of sparkling white. The stars fill the night sky in a wonderful display. Technology has allowed man to see ever deeper into the universe and into the atom. Looking into the depths of the sky man has discovered nebula and galaxies of startling beauty. Looking into the depths of the atom man has beheld an arrangement of such magnificence as to leave one breathless in wonder. If all is a product of chance or if God is a cruel, capricious god, why is the universe filled with such winsome displays?

If nature is careless and unconcerned, why is the earth filled with so many good things for men? Every year crops produce abundantly, with provision sufficient for the world’s inhabitants. The rains continue to fall in their season, nourishing the earth. The sun continues to shine, stirring the plants to growth. Herbivores large and small grow strong on the abundant supply from the earth. Carnivores enjoy the fruits of all this labor in perfectly cooked steaks and bacon wrapped buffalo wings. Why all these good things? Why is the world filled with things that provide a riot of happiness for men to enjoy? A godless world has no answer for these questions. A cruel God does not give such bounty. One can assume life evolved to exist on such things as the world produces, but the question still remains. Why such an abundance? Why such beauty? Why such pleasure? Why not a bare existence of meat and drink in a monotonous landscape that sustains but does not delight.

Bad things happen. The problem of evil will continue to bother men until the end of time. The curse of sin has left the world in agony. The bigger question to consider is why do good things happen. The grace of God gives good gifts to all men. To the just and the unjust, the saved and the lost, the innocent and the evil, God gives good things for men to enjoy. The Psalmist David answered this question best in Psalm 65,
“Who by his strength setteth fast the mountains; being girded with power: Which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people. They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice. Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, which is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it. Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: thou settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers: thou blessest the springing thereof. Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness. They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills rejoice on every side. The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing.”

Good things happen because God is good and compassionate to all men.