Because the subject of God’s goodness is quite extensive, I need to spend two weeks on this one disposition. Considering the big picture, God’s goodness is shown through His protection and provision for humanity. This attribute is particularly evident in the Psalms as the writers had much to say (and sing) about God’s goodness. Notice how God’s goodness is often combined with other attributes, such as His compassion and love in the following psalms:  

“The LORD is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made” (Psalm 145:9).

“O Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; his love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1).

And in the next Psalm attributed to David, we are pointed to the abundant goodness of God prepared in advance for those who revere and put their trust in Him.

“Oh how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who reverence you, which you have prepared for those who trust in you, in the presence of the sons of men” (Psalm 31:19)

This trust in God is the response that allows His children to fully experience His goodness and receive His blessings. Furthermore, David highlights the fact that God’s blessings are apparent to others, which openly demonstrates His faithfulness and generosity to a watching world. This goodness of God also encourages us to constantly cultivate our relationship with Him, knowing that His blessings are already prepared for those who seek Him.

And I’m sure that most of us are familiar with the final verse of the 23^rd Psalm in which David declares,

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6).

Here, David expresses assurance of God’s goodness and mercy that will accompany him, and all believers, throughout life. It conveys a sense of the Good Shepherd’s ongoing protection and guidance even during challenging times. And the final promise of this verse points us to the promise of everlasting life in “The Father’s House.”

Notice how David goes on to reveal his weakness during the many challenging times in his life, but at the same time, expressed his confidence that he would experience the goodness of God, not just in eternity, but also during his lifetime,

“I would have fainted unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living” (Psalm 27:13).

And in another Psalm, David invites all of us to,

“Taste and see that the LORD is good; how blessed is the man who trusts in Him” (Psalm 34:8).

Once again, David shares his confidence in God’s goodness even during the many difficult times that he experienced as he fled from King Saul. As you can see, it focuses upon God’s provision, protection, and deliverance for all those who seek refuge in Him.

In the midst of our trials, we are all invited to have a “taste” of God’s goodness, assured that this simple taste will be all we need to continue feasting on His goodness. It is an invitation for us to trust and engage with our Lord and discover the blessings that flow from His character.

Let’s all make a point to do that this week. I pray that each of us might have just a “taste” of God’s goodness, and that this “taste” will lead to a spiritual feast.

I hope to see you next week.