God Really Is Good

You are good and do only good; teach me your decrees. [Psalm 119.68]

Lest we forget Who God is, Psalm 119.68 gives us a very simple reminder. He is good and He only does good.

God is good and He only does good.

Simple, right? Yes, in fact it is however, religion has, in a tragic way, caused many to doubt or forget this important fact about God and His character.

God is good and He only does good.

All of Psalm 119 speaks of God and His Word. It also reveals that curses are punishment for sin and naturally require repentance - for which God is very gracious and merciful.

My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees. [Psalm 119.71]

I know, O LORD, that your regulations are fair; you disciplined me because I needed it. [Psalm 119.75]

The point? God set the standard of discipline for wayward children. Justice is good. But it is still justice.

But let us not deceive ourselves, suffering is a medicine not to be administered without reason! When we suffer, there needs to be soul searching (individually and corporately) and repentance. 

If suffering is indeed good for us (verse 71), it is because it leads us to repentance! Suffering is not good without repentance! Suffering is not a gesture of love - it is an instrument for correction. It is reserved for pointing us to repentance. It serves a purpose like a box serves the purpose of delivering a gift - but it is not, in and of itself a gift! The gift is God's love that shows us our waywardness and  then, in response to repentance, blankets us with forgiveness and fellowship with Him.

God really is good.

Father, Your goodness is beyond my imagination. Let me not be deceived about suffering - help me to allow it to direct me back to You and Your blessings!