The Goodness of God

We’ve been singing a song lately that is becoming one of my favorites. The song is “The Goodness of God.” Every time one of our worship leaders starts the song, tears want to well up in my eyes. I’m overwhelmed to the core as we sing the song and reminded of how good God has been. Theologian Wayne Grudem says in Systematic Theology, “The goodness of God means that God is the final standard of good, and that all that God is and does is worthy of approval.” Over and over the Scriptures declare God’s goodness. “The LORD is good and does what is right.” Psalms 25:8 (NLT) “You are good and do only good.” Psalms 119:68 (NLT) “Give thanks to the LORD … for the LORD is good.” Jeremiah 33:11 (NLT) “The LORD is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation.” Psalms 145:9 (NLT) Grudem also says in Systematic Theology, “God’s mercy is his goodness toward those in distress, his grace is his goodness toward those who deserve only punishment, and his patience is his goodness toward those who continue to sin over a period of time.” One of the most loved passages from Psalms is found in David’s declaration in Psalm 23. David wrote, “Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life.” Psalms 23:6 (NLT) Not only is God good, but He does good for His children. “We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28 (NLT) God is good! Let your spirit meditate on God’s goodness. The truth will transform you.

The Heavens Proclaim the Glory of God

If you have not taken the opportunity to look at the recently released pictures from the Webb telescope, you should. The pictures are from the farthest distance in space. They are only the initial pictures shot while technicians test the equipment. There will be many more amazing pictures to come. The Webb telescope can see 13.8 billion light years into space. King David declared, “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.” Psalms 19:1-4 (NLT) I’m always amazed at the precision of creation making life possible. Our solar system is where it needs to be in the Milky Way to enable life. Our star is the exact type of star for carbon-based life. Planet earth is in the inhabitable zone, sometimes called the “Goldilocks” zone. If earth were a minute distance closer or farther from the sun, life would be impossible. The location and orbit of the moon create weather patterns and tides that sustain and replenish life. Because of the pitch of the planet, life thrives on much of the earth. The location of Saturn and Jupiter stabilize the solar system and prevent space debris from destroying the earth. I could go on and on about the wonder of the precision that makes life possible on earth. As some have said, “it would take more faith to believe this all happened by chance than to believe there is a Creator.” Man is constantly searching, listening and hoping to find intelligent life in the universe and make contact. Contact has already happened. Jesus came to reveal the intelligence, God to you. The real visitor from beyond the heavens is Jesus. He visited earth 2,000 years ago and is still active in lives across the planet. Why do people search for intelligent life and yet turn away from Jesus? The Apostle John proclaimed, “Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” John 1:14 (NLT) “The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command.” Hebrews 1:3 (NLT) You don’t need to look any further than Jesus. He is the intelligent life sent by the Father to reveal the character of God to you and me.

The Goodness of God

We’ve been singing a newer song for a few months called, “Goodness of God.” Almost every time one of the worship leaders sings this song, I have a hard time not tearing up. I don’t know why but it makes me remember a weekend when I was 10ish years old. I had this overwhelming urge to go to “Mass” at the Catholic church my family attended. It was a mile from my house and up a hill. Sunday morning, I got up, got my church clothes on, and rode one of the “sting-ray” bikes to church. I entered the sanctuary and went right up to the front row of pews and took my place. I can still remember what today I know was God around me. My life wasn’t profoundly changed that morning. I didn’t see or hear angels. But I have looked back over the years to that day and know God was doing something in me. The chorus to the song goes like this: All my life you have been faithful All my life you have been so, so good With every breath that I am able Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God. I can look back to that day, when I first had an awareness of God’s presence and then scan through my life and see God’s work. God’s faithfulness. God’s goodness. There have been high mountains and deep valleys. There have been times of greatest joy and moments of profound sorrow. I can look back and see the goodness and faithfulness of God. His goodness was there, in every part of my journey and the journey of those I’ve walked with. King David spoke truth when he wrote, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I SHALL DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD FOREVER.” Psalms 23:6 (ESV) The Apostle Paul found strength in this truth: “This light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” 2 Corinthians 4:17 (ESV) One more line from the song. “Goodness of God” grabs my heart, “Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me! Jesus, thank you for running after me for more than 50 years! You’ve been so, so, so, very GOOD!

The Name That Is Above All Names

Years ago, when I first started following Jesus, someone gave me a poster of Jesus’ names. I had it hanging on the wall of my first apartment in Renton. After working and usually playing some basketball, I would lie down on my bed and there was the list of Jesus’ names. I read them over and over. Soon they became part of my vocabulary in worship and prayer. Over time, I located each of the names in the various books and letters in the Scriptures. Jesus’ names have become part of the inner framework of my soul. Here are some of those names. I encourage you to read them slowly. Don’t skim over them. Jesus, Christ, Emmanuel, Son of God, Son of Man, Wonderful, Prince of Life, Counselor, Almighty God, Savior, Lord, Master, Friend, Prince of Peace, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Alpha and Omega, Beginning and End, Author and Finisher of our Faith, the Good Shepherd, Shepherd and Overseer of our Souls, the Gate, the Gatekeeper, the Vine, the True Vine, Lion of the Tribe of Judah, Bread of Life, the Way, the Truth, the Life, Lamb of God, AMEN, Beloved Son, Cornerstone, Creator, Deliverer, Everlasting Father, Holy One, I AM, King of the Jews, Light of the World, Man of Sorrows, Messiah, Morning Star, Passover Lamb, Living Stone, Prince of Life, Redeemer, Resurrection and Life, Offspring of David, Rock of Ages, Our Great God and Savior, Rose of Sharon, Root of David, Son of the Highest, Word, Nazarene, Word of God, Advocate, Lord of Heaven, the Physician, Bridegroom, Rabbi, Master, Living Water, High Priest, Teacher, Servant, Captain of our Salvation, Faithful and True Witness, Lily of the Valley, Fairest among 10,000, Living One, Ruler of God’s Creation, the Stone the Builders Rejected, Head of the Church, Mediator, Fountain of Living Water, the Bright and Morning Star, the Image of the Invisible God. Jesus has many other names and titles. I encourage you to take some time and meditate or think about the names and titles of Jesus. Looking up and reading each of the names and titles in their context in Scripture would encourage and feed you. Your thinking about Jesus’ names and titles will breathe life into you. There is no one like Jesus!

How Great is Our Lord!

I have been meditating on the truth that God is significantly different than the people He created. Recently on my blog I noted these truths. God doesn’t see things the way people see things. God doesn’t count time the way people count time. God has no needs. God can’t be tempted and tempts no one. God doesn’t think or act like people. Here’s a few more truths. “God cannot lie.” Titus 1:2 (NCV) “There is no darkness in Him at all.” 1 John 1:5 (NLT) He does not change. “I am the LORD, and I do not change.” Malachi 3:6 (NLT) “He never grows weak or weary.” Isaiah 40:28 (NLT) “Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps.” Psalms 121:4 (NLT) God has no weaknesses. “How great is our Lord! His power is absolute!” Psalms 147:5 (NLT) You might be thinking – “SO?” God repeatedly reminded His people to “remember.” Over and over, through the prophets, He said “remember.” In the midst of topsy turvy world and as creatures who function by our senses, it is easy to forget He is not like us. I’ve heard our forgetfulness as spiritual Alzheimer’s. If not spiritual Alzheimer’s then definitely spiritual dementia. I find great solace in worshipping, loving and serving God who is consistent, honest, never changing and never sleeping. I find peace in my soul knowing I’m regularly praying to my Heavenly Father, who is above all of that is going on and who knows what is best. He’s GOD, we’re not!

Surrendering and Trusting in the Sovereignty of God

Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O LORD, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name! 1 Chronicles 29:11-13 NLT

Several years ago I started taking time to focus, worship and thank the Lord for his sovereignty. Merriam-Webster defines sovereignty as having supreme power, supreme excellence and controlling influence. I remind myself the Lord has supreme power, supreme excellence and controlling influence. Supreme means above all others.

The complexity and uncertainty of life often causes serious stress to the soul. Complexity and uncertainty have become part of everyday life. They are unavoidable. Those that try to control complexity and uncertainty find themselves even more stressed by attempting to live with the illusion of control.

I have found that surrender to the sovereignty of the Lord is the healthiest position I can take. Nothing complex for me or for humanity confounds the Lord. Nothing uncertain for me or humanity confuses or takes the Lord by surprise.

Like David’s words above say, “Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours … the one who is over all things.”

Things take place in life and on this planet I don’t like. I can get all worked up over those things and get angry at God and others, but my response doesn’t change reality. There is only one Sovereign.. I trust Him with the complexities and uncertainties of life.

I invite you to do the same. Surrendering and trusting in the sovereignty of God is the way to peace.