Have you ever felt like life is just a series of ups and downs, with more downs than ups? Have you ever wondered if God is truly good, or if He’s just indifferent to your struggles?
If so, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with understanding God’s goodness, especially in the midst of difficult circumstances.
But what if I told you that the Bible itself is filled with reminders and reassurances of God’s goodness? What if I shared a story that illustrates how experiencing God’s goodness can change someone’s life forever?
One day, a rough-looking man walked into our church, clearly uncomfortable and disrespectful. As the service progressed and people were getting healed, you could see the change in his demeanor. He was mesmerized, tears streaming down his face.
I approached him, and his response still resonates with me today. “Why would God heal me?” he asked, bewildered. “I’ve been a bad man.”
When I explained that God’s mercy extends to all sinners, he made a decision that day to give his heart to the Lord – all because he witnessed the undeniable goodness of God.
That’s the power of understanding God’s goodness. It can lead even the most hardened individuals to repentance and transformation. And the scriptures are a beautiful exploration of this very concept.
The Essence of God’s Goodness
In Psalm 34, we are encouraged to “bless the Lord at all times” and “praise Him continually” (Psalm 34:1).
Why? Because we are called to boast in the Lord and magnify His name as expressions of His goodness.
“1 I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad.”
Psalm 34:1-2 (ESV)
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When we truly grasp the essence of God’s goodness, it becomes a natural response to boast in Him and exalt His name.
We can’t help but share our experiences of His goodness with others, inviting them to join us in magnifying the Lord.
Experiencing God’s Goodness
The Book of Psalms is filled with examples of individuals who experienced God’s goodness firsthand through deliverance, provision, and protection.
Take, for instance, the following verse:
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”
Psalm 34:4 (ESV)
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Isn’t it comforting to know that our good God hears us and delivers us from our fears? The psalmist encourages us to seek the Lord and taste His goodness for ourselves.
“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!”
Psalm 34:8 (ESV)
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When we actively seek God and experience His goodness, our lives are transformed. We no longer simply hear about His goodness; we witness it firsthand.
The Transformative Power of God’s Goodness
Understanding and acknowledging God’s goodness can lead to genuine repentance and transformation in our lives.
The psalmist shares a powerful testimony:
“This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.”
Psalm 34:6 (ESV)
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When we recognize God’s goodness, even in the midst of our struggles, it can lead us to a place of humility and surrender.
Just as the rough-looking man experienced, witnessing God’s goodness can change the trajectory of our lives forever.
Living in the Reality of God’s Goodness
But how can we cultivate a mindset focused on God’s goodness in our daily lives? The psalmist provides practical steps:
- Watch your speech: “Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking deceit.” (Psalm 34:13)
- Embrace faith: “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles.” (Psalm 34:17)
- Seek peace: “Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.” (Psalm 34:14)
When we align our words, actions, and mindsets with God’s goodness, we position ourselves to experience His goodness more profoundly in our lives.
Key Takeaways
- God is holy and inherently good, and His goodness is evident throughout the book of Psalms.
- Experiencing God’s goodness firsthand can lead to repentance and transformation.
- Align your words, actions, and mindset with God’s goodness to position yourself for His blessings.
- Share your experiences of God’s goodness with others to inspire them and lead them to the Lord.
Conclusion
The book of Psalms is a beautiful reminder that our God is good, and His goodness is available to us at all times.
As we bless the Lord, seek Him, and live in alignment with His goodness, we will experience transformation and witness His goodness in tangible ways.
Remember, God delights in showing mercy and blessing His children. He is not a God of scarcity or punishment but a God of abundance and love.
So, let’s choose to embrace His goodness and share our experiences with others, leading them to repentance and transformation, just as the rough-looking man experienced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why does God allow bad things to happen if He is good?
A. God’s original creation was perfect and good, but sin entered the world through man’s disobedience, leading to the presence of evil and suffering.
However, God’s ultimate plan is to restore all things and eliminate evil once and for all. In the meantime, He is always good, and His goodness is available to those who seek Him.
Q. How can I experience God’s goodness in my life?
A. Seek the Lord through prayer, study His Word, and align your life with His principles. Watch your speech, embrace faith, and pursue peace.
As you do these things, you will position yourself to experience God’s goodness in tangible ways.
Q. Can God’s goodness be experienced even in difficult circumstances?
A. Absolutely. The Book of Psalms is filled with examples of individuals who experienced God’s goodness even in the midst of struggles, poverty, and fear.
When we acknowledge God’s goodness, it can lead us to repentance and transformation, even in our darkest moments.
Q. How can I share God’s goodness with others?
A. Share your personal testimonies of how you’ve experienced God’s goodness in your life. Live a life that reflects God’s goodness through your words, actions, and attitudes.
Invite others to join you in magnifying the Lord Jesus and experiencing His goodness for themselves.
Q. What if I struggle to believe in God’s goodness?
A. It’s understandable to have doubts, especially in the midst of difficult circumstances. However, the Bible is clear that God is good, and His goodness is available to those who seek Him.
Start by studying the Book of Psalms and meditating on the verses that affirm God’s goodness. Surround yourself with others who can encourage you and share their experiences of God’s goodness.
