GOD IS GOOD!

For the Lord God is a sun and shield;

the Lord gives grace and glory;

No good thing does He withhold
from those who walk uprightly.
Psalm 84:11 (NASB)

I can't tell you how much the above verse has meant to me through the last 50 years. The Christmas prior to our February wedding, Brian and I got each other new Bibles...mine red and his black. He wrote a sweet note on a front blank page, but closed it with the above verse. Every time I read the verse, which is often, as I spend a lot of time in the Psalms, I am reminded of God's goodness in our lives through the years. Brian and I have seen the goodness of God in our relationship and family, but have also seen it in our own personal lives.

Many books are written these days about the attributes of God. Often, the attribute of God that is often relegated to the end or not given as much attention as it deserves. God's goodness in our lives is mind-boggling if we choose to consider it. Goodness is often defined as a deep kindness shown to others whether they be deserving or not. We may think about it as being “nice.” My Mother used to tell me to be good, if I was going away from our house with others. I knew she meant I was to be well behaved in my treatment of others.

One might call it a tradition, but every Sunday morning after the service, our pastor closes our time with:

“God is good”
“All the time” (congregation)
“All the time”
“God is good.” (congregation)

I just love that in that we are remembering the goodness of God in our lives. I know that seems rather juvenile spiritually speaking, but as of late, I've been reading a lot about God's goodness. I'm afraid we often pay little homage to His goodness in our lives. If we chose to do so, we wouldn't have enough paper or pens to list all of God's goodness in our lives.

The thing is that every good thing that has happened in our lives is from Him. He may have used some pretty odd people or situations to bring goodness into our lives, but He is God and can work on our behalf anyway He likes. The odder thing yet as I think about it, is those times I've seen goodness in my life from God that I certainly didn't deserve at the moment. In those times, I knowHis goodness was meant to draw me closer to Himself.

The greatest goodness God ever showed in our lives was in sending His only Son Jesus into the world. Jesus didn't come as a celebrity to prance around as many celebrities do. He came as a human being to related to everyday people. I've said before and always suggest that if you have a red lettered version of Scripture, sometime just sit down and read the red letters only in the four Gospels. I just finished doing that with the book of John. In all the Gospels, the thoughtfulness and goodness of Jesus is evident on every page whether He was healing, teaching, or raising the dead. He sets the example for us as to how to treat friend and foe alike.

As I've thought of God's goodness in my life, it's easy to think of the big things...education, careers, marriage, three great kids all along with the opportunities He has opened up for me in serving Him. However, lately, I've been trying to take note of so many little things that God in His goodness provides for me day after day to enjoy. I wish you could see my three rose bushes in front of the house. They are full of the most beautiful flowers. As I go onto the porch, prior to bending over the rail to observe them, I am facing some of the most beautiful mountains straight ahead. I realize others enjoy nature God has provided in His goodness for all to enjoy, but these days, I'm taking it very personally.

My prayer for each of us is to concentrate more on God's goodness that comes to us in abundance. Each time as I see something special, it just blesses my “blesser.” I think our Father would appreciate a thank you every now and then, even for the smallest things. Our gratitude must bring warmth to the heart of our Father. With our gratitude, He is glorified. May we not allow a single day pass without making a mental and prayerful note of at least one (and more) item revealing God's goodness. Each goodness we should take as a very personal blessing from the Father.

Father, we thank You for your goodness You surround us with every day of life. Your every provision in our lives, speaks of Your goodness and love. Thank You for Your ultimate goodness in sending Jesus, and for His love in dying for each of us. I pray in His precious name....Amen