​God Promises He is Good

Psalms 136:1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.
 
YOU have likely heard or have said, “God is good.” in response to a happy event – a baby born, a problem solved, a soul saved and many more. And perhaps you’ve said or herd, “God is good.” in response to disappointment – a hard diagnosis, a prodigal child, a devastating storm or another hard thing. Can God be good in both happy times and hard times?
   He can be, and he is. “God is good.” is a humble, worshipful confession of his sovereign authority over all matters. The 26 verses of Psalm 136 extol God’s goodness to bless Israel and defeat Israel’s enemies. God’s goodness, love and understanding is why he  made the heavens, spread out the earth upon the waters, made the great lights, the sun to govern the day, the moon and stars to govern the night. (from Psalm 136:5-9)
   Good is the benediction of Genesis’ creation account. At the end of each day the Word says: And God saw that it was good. Then comes the emphasis to God’s good will accomplishing this magnificent work: Genesis 1:31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. Yes, his will is true and right; it is very good for a bountiful universe.
   Matthew’s gospel records Jesus teaches 40 good lessons. His wants the world to know the Father is good! Matthew 19:16 Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” 17 “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.” There is only One who can completely fulfill his will on earth. There is only one God of gods and Lord of lords (from verse 2 & 3) whose good enduring love covers you forever.
   Listen to God’s will and be good in him. Hear from heaven and express his will to the world. In Jesus, goodness inhabits your new life. Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. There is no law against the Spirit’s fruit because it is the law. It is the expression of God’s character in you. Be good in God.
   Perhaps when people ask, “How are you?” you can respond, “I’m good.” and then remember, “God has called me. He wants me to help the world know, ‘God is good.’”