Real Hope: The Goodness of Godنموونە

THE ANTHEM OF PRAISE

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!

This statement appears many times in the Bible, under many circumstances, by many people over many generations. It is a foundational principle that establishes Christians firmly in their relationship with God and their faith.

It seems to have originated in King David’s heart and forms the basis for his purpose for the building of the temple, the establishment of worship, and the appointment of temple singers whose chief purpose was ‘to give thanks’ (1 Chron. 16:41). It is the song sung at the inauguration of Solomon’s temple, the song sung when the singers led Jehoshaphat into battle against their enemies, when Jeremiah laments Israel being sent off to Babylon, and when the people of Israel re-laid the foundations of the new temple after the exile (Ezra 3:7–13).

And I dare say it is the anthem of the New Testament believer as emphasised in 1 Thess. 5:18: ‘Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus’. 

After five decades of following Christ, I have experienced many ‘good’ and many ‘bad’ days. In that time, I have personally discovered that I can wait until I see God’s goodness to give thanks, or I can, by faith, ascribe goodness to God and see Him ‘outwork’ that goodness in every situation (Romans 8:28). Don’t be like the people who blame God for all the bad there is in the world but never acknowledge Him for the good. 

God is good and He changes not! Please join me today to affirm what the hymn says that God is a ‘good, good God’ and allow Him to reveal all that that means in your current situation. 

written by JOHN SCOTT

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