The purpose of God’s goodness

God be merciful to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us. — Psalm 67:1                                       

When I was growing up, we often sang a song in Sunday school that went like this: “God is good to me! God is good to me! He holds my hand and helps me stand! God is good to me!”

I need to say right away that I believe God is good and He takes delight in doing good things for people. He does indeed hold our hand in times of trouble and helps us stand against the onslaught of life’s difficulties. But I wonder if you’ve ever asked yourself, Why is He good? It certainly is not because we deserve it or because He feels the need to buy our love and allegiance with His benefits.

The psalmist prays for God to bless him so that “[the Lord’s] way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations” (Ps. 67:2). God’s daily blessings are proof positive that He is indeed a good God who cares for His own. But how will our world know this about God if we never praise Him for His goodness to us? (v.3).

So, the next time God blesses you, be sure to look for ways to appropriately give Him the credit. Consuming His blessings without communicating His goodness shortchanges the very purpose of His gifts of grace in our lives. — Joe Stowell

As endless as God’s blessings are,

So should my praises be

For all His daily goodnesses

That flow unceasingly! — Adams  

READ: Psalm 67

God is good — make sure

the people in your world know

what He has done in your life.

The Bible in one year:

• 2 Samuel 3-5; Luke 14:25-35