The Goodness of God

Gladys Crook

Knowest thou not, O Man, that the goodness and forbearance of God leadeth thee to repentance? Surely the goodness of the Lord brings us to repentance and that is when we see our need of a Saviour. We read in the 107th Psalm, verse 9, that “he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.” How wonderful to be filled with the goodness of God!

After relating how the Lord had delivered the children of Israel out of their troubles, and saved them out of their distresses, the Psalmist declares in verses 8, 15, 21 and 31 of Psalm 107: “Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” The last verse declares that they who are wise will observe these things, and even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the Lord.

We are told in Psalm 33:5 that the whole earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. We see so much every day that surely doesn’t seem like the goodness of God, but we still believe His Word and know that the earth is full of His goodness. In Psalm 31:19 we read, Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!” We that know and trust the Lord find that He does have much goodness laid up for us, and we receive of His bounty.

In the 27th Psalm, verse 13, David says, “I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.” It does keep one from fainting to just believe what the Word declares.

It is also a part of the nine-fold gift of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness and Temperance. Gal. 5:22-23.

Everyone knows and can quote the 23rd Psalm, and it ends with “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Amen.