Trailhead – Edition #5 – November 2025
Happy November, fellow disciple-making parents! Welcome to The Trailhead, a devotional designed to help you begin each month with focus, encouragement, and intention. Just as a trailhead marks the start of a journey, The Trailhead is here to reorient your heart for the weeks ahead—a season filled with joy, challenges, and opportunities to lead your family closer to Jesus.
Quick Update
If you’ve been with us from the start of this school year, you know that The Trailhead is walking through 12 aspects of God’s character. Each month we’ll pause to remember who God is and how that shapes the way we parent. Last month we looked at God’s holiness. This month, we’ll focus on His goodness.
The Goodness of God
God is good. It’s part of his unchanging character.
“Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.”
— Psalm 34:8 (ESV)
God’s Goodness Is Something to Experience
The entire biblical narrative, from creation in Genesis to the restoration of all things in Revelation, tells us about God’s goodness. He is good, and everything He does is good. However, it’s worth noting that Psalm 34:8 views God’s goodness from a different perspective. The Psalmist invites the reader to taste and see that the LORD is good. It’s experiential.
An Example of Experiencing Goodness
Let’s look at a Chick-fil-A sandwich as an example. Let’s say you meet someone in your neighborhood who has never been to Chick-fil-A. Sure, that is unlikely, but certainly possible. Let’s stick with that premise. You pull out your phone and show your friend a written description of the sandwich. Perhaps they nod their head in agreement, acknowledging that it sounds tasty. Then you show them a picture of you eating the sandwich, and they can see how much you’re enjoying it. Your neighbor is intrigued, but not convinced to make the trip. Next, instead of merely telling them about it and showing pictures, you actually invite them to eat the original Chick-fil-A sandwich. This is when Chick-fil-A goes from theoretical to experiential.
God Invites Us into a Deeper Relationship
My example falls short, of course, but the Psalmist is inviting us to experience God’s goodness in a far richer and more all-encompassing way. Yes, reading about God’s character in the Bible is a significant part of our relationship with Him. The Bible is God’s inspired Word to us. It is living and active. So reading it can and should contribute to our spiritual formation. But if we don’t intentionally experience His goodness, we are missing out on what the Psalmist is describing to us.
God is good. He created us. He redeemed us. And He is restoring us. He is good. Everything that He does is good. And He wants us to taste and see that He is good.
How God’s Goodness Shapes Our Families
As parents, we want our children to see that God is not only powerful and holy, but also full of goodness in every possible way. When we take time to notice His goodness, we model gratitude and trust. Our homes become places where joy and contentment take root, even when life isn’t perfect.
Reflections for Disciple-Making Parents
Our children will learn about God’s character by watching how we respond to life’s ups and downs. When they see us give thanks in all circumstances—or choose peace over frustration—they glimpse a faith grounded in God’s goodness. Remind them often that every good thing we have comes from Him. When we make gratitude a rhythm in our homes, we help our kids “taste and see” that the Lord truly is good.
Life Application
Start a Family Gratitude Jar: Each day this month, have everyone write one thing they’re thankful for and place it in the jar. Read them together on Thanksgiving week.
Share a Story: Tell your kids about a time when you personally saw God’s goodness—especially during a hard season.
Pray: When stress or worry rises, pause as a family to pray Psalm 34:8 aloud, reminding each other to take refuge in God.
Bible Study for November
Throughout November, we are continuing our family Bible study through Ephesians on Discipleship Cliff. Ephesians shows us a faithful God who redeems His people, builds His church, and gives us a new identity in Christ. I’d love for you to walk through this study with your family as another way to see God’s faithfulness on display.
Book Recommendation
The Goodness of God by Randy Alcorn
A powerful and honest look at how God’s goodness and sovereignty work together, even in times of suffering. Alcorn helps readers see that God’s goodness isn’t just a theological truth; it’s a personal invitation to trust Him completely.
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Looking Ahead
As the Advent season approaches, next month’s Trailhead will focus on God being our Provider, a fitting theme for December. We’ll reflect on how God’s love moved Him to provide for us by sending His Son into the world and how that shapes the way we lead and love our families.
Closing Encouragement
For the month of November, may your home overflow with gratitude. Not just for the gifts you can see, but for the God who gives them. As you “taste and see” His goodness, may your family find joy and peace in knowing that every good thing flows from His faithful heart.
Additional Resources:
Ephesians for Families Bible Study | Week 1
10 Reasons to Read the Bible as a Family
10 Verses that Help Cultivate Thankful Hearts
Harvesting What We Sow: A Parent-Driven Discussion
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