For His Goodness

• When you think of someone who is “good,” who comes to mind? Why?

• How is God’s goodness different from human goodness?

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Psalm 107:1

True goodness is a hard thing for humans to understand because we don’t see very much of it. Sure, there are good people in the world. But a lot of actions we call “good” often have motivations that aren’t. Some people may act nice and friendly but only because they expect something in return. If they don’t get it, they withdraw their goodness. Other people are inconsistent. They do something good one day, then turn around and do something terribly destructive the next.

We’re all guilty of it. Think of times in our family when someone was extra helpful and obedient because they wanted to go to a sleepover or a party. Human goodness is temporary.

The goodness that the psalmist talks about in Psalm 107:1 is different, though. God’s goodness, like his love, endures forever. It’s not motivated by selfish desire. He doesn’t demand anything in return.

It’s never inconsistent either. He knows exactly what we need, and he gives it exactly when we need it. He gives out of the pure goodness of his heart. He loves us and wants us to be fulfilled in him. That deserves our thanks.

PRAYER
Dear God, in our broken world, your goodness shines. We celebrate that goodness today. Give us the words and the opportunity to tell others about it. Amen.