GOD IS GOOD

For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
the Lord will give grace and glory:

no good thing will he withhold

from them that walk uprightly

Psalm 84:11

I can't tell you how much the above verse has meant to me through the last 51 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, 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 is that of goodness. 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. God's goodness is much more than behavioral...it's who and what He is.

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

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

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 relate to everyday people. 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 set the example for us as to how to treat friend and foe alike with goodness whether deserved or undeserved.

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 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, but these days, I'm taking all of these things personally as God's gifts to me.

I realize that God's goodness may also come in the form of what we consider negative events. God will always work in our lives for what is best even though it may not seem like it. Here we have to include Romans 8:28:

And we know that all things work together
for good to them that love God, to them
who are the called according to His purpose.

Don't ask me how He does that, but I trust He is always working good on my behalf, even if I don't understand the circumstances at the time.

My prayer for each of us is to concentrate more on God's goodness that comes to us in abundance. God has such a special way in His goodness that He 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.

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. In His precious name....Amen