“How would your life change if you became absolutely convinced of the goodness of God?”
Lysa Terkeurst asked the question as she opened her presentation at a recent conference. The words are worth pondering. The goodness of God, along with all His other attributes, is the essence of Who He is.
When we are absolutely convinced of the goodness of God’s character, it changes how we live. When we believe our Sovereign God is all-powerful, wise, compassionate and good, it enables us to move forward in faith, regardless of circumstances.
Out of His goodness, God created the world and its inhabitants. He created a place of beauty, entrusted it to the care of the first couple, and proclaimed it all very good (Genesis 1:31).
He didn’t need us, but created us to experience life in Him and enjoy relationship with Him. He freely shared the abundant beauty and delicious provision of the Garden He prepared for mankind. He commanded Adam and Eve not to eat from one tree. His command was for their protection. He said they would surely die if they ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
Satan enticed Adam and Eve to disobey God, by getting them to doubt God’s Word, and his goodness. Satan said they would not die. Satan lied. They ate. Death and evil were unleashed. Mankind was separated from God. We have all felt the consequences. God’s goodness is not contrary to His other attributes. He is just. He is holy. He must judge sin.
But God, in His goodness, provided the way to return to Him. Immediately, He promised a Savior who would eventually crush Satan (Genesis 3:15). The stories are recorded in the Old Testament of those who believed God’s promise, even though they couldn’t fully understand it. They believed in the goodness of God and they trusted Him.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! Psalm 107:1
Noah believed in God’s goodness when he obeyed God’s instruction to build an ark. He and his family were spared from the flood that covered the earth.
Abraham believed the goodness of God would give him many descendants, and through one of them, the whole world would be blessed (Genesis 12:1-3). Abraham couldn’t fully understand this meant Jesus.
David believed in the goodness of God. When surrounded by enemies, He knew his hope was in God alone (1 Samuel, 1 Chronicles, Psalms).
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego believed in the goodness of God, and refused to bow down to any other god, even if it cost their lives. They knew God could save them from the fiery furnace, but even if He did not, they trusted Him for whatever He would do. God did not keep them out of the fire, but He brought them through it (Daniel 3).
By His goodness, His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).
All the stories of faith in the Bible, are examples of trusting in the goodness of God. His ultimate goodness is displayed in the Lord Jesus, who came to take away the sin of the world (John 1:29). He died and rose for the redemption of all who put their faith in Him.
Though we can only begin to understand the extent of the goodness of God, once we are fully convinced of it, it changes everything.
How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world. Psalm 31:19
I would love to hear your thoughts. Please leave a comment below.
Blessings,
Phyllis
Copyright 2024 Phyllis L. Farringer
Image by Jsternquist from Pixabay
God’s goodness and grace truly surround us like an ocean.
Amen! And I am so thankful.
You need to write a book . I believe you could do a good one.
Thank you so much for saying so.
Thank you for the reminder to keep my thoughts focused on God and Who He is. Prayers for you.
Thank you, Joni. Remembering Who He is makes all the difference.