Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! Psalm 107:1
Sometimes I need to be reminded to thank God, not for what He has done, but just for who He is. I am thankful for what He has done. His many acts of kindness, protection, and love towards me and those I love are precious gifts. His work of sacrifice for my sins alone brings gratitude I can barely express. But if I am only grateful for what I receive, then what happens when things don’t go according to my desire?
For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 103:8
God is good. Even when I don’t see that goodness at work. Often when we hear something great happened, we say “God is good!” And it is true! But would we still proclaim His goodness when the outcome was not to our liking? I want to say, when the diagnosis doesn’t go my way, “Thank You, God. You are good!” I want to console my heart when it’s lonely, “Bless God for He is good.” God’s goodness is not conditional on my situation and I’m grateful for that.
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised. Job 1:21
Paul said to give thanks in any circumstance; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.[1] So, why is it we can we give thanks in even the hardest of times? Because God is good regardless of our situation. Our response in hardship reveals if we really believe that.
I am grateful that God is good to me. But I can give thanks in all things because God is good.
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! Psalm 34:8
