God's Goodness

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting. Oh let Israel say, ‘His lovingkindness is everlasting.’ Oh let the house of Aaron say, ‘His lovingkindness is everlasting.’ Oh let those who fear the Lord say, ‘His lovingkindness is everlasting,’” (NASB, Psalm 118:1-4).

God is good. We see evidence of this everywhere we look. We might wonder why good things happen to bad people, or why bad things happen to Christ followers. However, no matter how great our service to God, we are no more deserving of God’s goodness than anyone else. Only God can judge what is truly “good,” and He bases this on His knowledge of our hearts.

Too much of a good thing can have negative effects. For instance, a $10 gift may not seem like much to a young person, even though he earns just $100 a week. But later that same person, now successful and wealthy, may struggle to give $1000, even though the amount represents the same percentage of his paycheck. God knows this about us and will bless us accordingly so we are not tempted to turn away from Him and worship the gift instead of the Giver.

When we are not wise stewards, the Lord may withdraw some of His benefits from our lives. Instead, let’s follow in the thanksgiving and praise of David. Remember, “…no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly,” (NASB, Psalm 84:11).  

Every good thing comes from God. If we walk according to His will and follow His ways, He will shower His goodness upon us.

Jeff