God Is Good
"O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For HIs lovingkindness is everlasting." 1 Chronicles 16:34
"Good" in the Old Testament is described as possessing moral excellence or virtue, not corrupt, not evil; kind, merciful, gracious, polite, reliable, real. In the New Testament good is described as excellent in nature and characteristics and therefore well adapted to its ends; beautiful by reason of purity of heart and life, honorable. These are some of the words man has used to try to develop the meaning and concept of God's goodness. Interestingly, along with all that we think of as good is this final description: To manure, to improve."
You read that right, "To Manure, to improve." It led me to thinking on God's goodness in allowing trials into our lives. In life, excrement is necessary. The production of it removes unnecessary waste and impurities from our bodies. In terms of farming, amending soil with fowl and animal solid waste enriches the soil to produce a bountiful harvest.
So...do we see the goodness of God when He allows a dunghill in our lives to rise as a mountain? Those trials that come our way more often than we like? The one we're going through right now? The testing that is making us cling more tightly to God in order to get through?
"...(do you not know that) the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?" Romans 2:4b
"...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us." Hebrews 12:1
"...press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus is calling us." Philippians 3:14
Father God,
You are Good all the time! Bring forth Your goodness upon us and within us. Lead us to repentance for our sins against You.
Thank You that Your Good-ness gives us Your forgiveness, through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen