“Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind!” Psalm 31:19
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6
“Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple!” Psalm 65:4
“Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O Lord!” Psalm 25:7
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” Romans 12:9
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase “God is good all the time... and all the time God is good!” Do you believe that? After all... you just paid bills last night and you have more month than money. Your child is sick... your parents won’t get off your back... you’re driving on two bald tires... and that nagging pain in your back won’t stop hurting.
Poverty...hunger...warfare...disease...
God is good?
God IS good.
Psalm 145:9-16
The Lord is good to everyone.
He showers compassion on all his creation.
He showers compassion on all his creation.
All of your works will thank you, Lord,
and your faithful followers will praise you.
and your faithful followers will praise you.
They will speak of the glory of your kingdom;
they will give examples of your power.
they will give examples of your power.
They will tell about your mighty deeds
and about the majesty and glory of your reign.
and about the majesty and glory of your reign.
For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.
You rule throughout all generations.
You rule throughout all generations.
The Lord always keeps his promises;
he is gracious in all he does.
he is gracious in all he does.
The Lord helps the fallen
and lifts those bent beneath their loads.
and lifts those bent beneath their loads.
The eyes of all look to you in hope;
you give them their food as they need it.
you give them their food as they need it.
When you open your hand,
you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.
you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.
Psalm 145 above reminds us of why God is so good all the time...
He is compassionate (vs. 9) - He cares about us on an intimate level... He knows it hurts and He never leaves us.
He is strong (vs. 11 and 12) - God is powerful enough to take our biggest struggles away... and determined enough to let us endure them to develop perseverance.
He keeps His promises (vs. 13) - When God says it... He doesn’t change it. His word is steadfast, true, and meant to be taken literally in your mind and heart. You may not be able to bank on much in this world... but God does what He promises He will do.
He is gracious (vs. 13) - We get what we haven’t earned. God gives grace when we deserve punishment.
He helps us up when we fall (vs. 14) - Feeling beaten down? We all do from time to time. God never leaves us when we are at our weakest...when we stumble... when we fail. In fact, it is during those times that when we turn to Him... He helps us back up.
He provides (vs. 16) - Too many times we look to God and wonder... “Why would a good God not provide for me?” What we miss is what we already have. When we look at our situation through the lens of gratitude...we realize that God provides what we need not necessarily what we want.
Every single thing we have, are, or will ever be comes from God.
Don’t let your circumstances or emotions determine your opinion of the goodness of God. He is and always will be the same. Unflinchingly in love with you... Committed to helping you discover and reach your potential... Intentionally nudging your heart to obedience... Lovingly whispering encouragement to your soul.
Even when we don’t understand why
Even when we don’t see the fruits of our labor
Even when the skies grow cloudy and the rains fall in our lives
Even when the enemy tries to convince us otherwise...
God is good.
I may not understand the world but God is good.
Bad things may happen but God is good.
I may feel life is unfair but God is good.
I may not see the destination and get frustrated in the road to get there...
But God. is. good.
Give Him thanks today.
