“You have done many good things for me, Lord, just as you promised. I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge. I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word. You are good and do only good; teach me your decrees. Arrogant people smear me with lies, but in truth I obey your commandments with all my heart. Their hearts are dull and stupid, but I delight in your instructions. My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees. Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver. - Psalm 119: 65-72 NLT

What was the last good thing to happen to you?

Did you make every green light on the way home from work yesterday?

Did your partner surprise you with something delightful?

Did Taco Bell actually get your order right?

We love when good things happen. Because it’s centered around us.

This is not true for God.

Today we’re going to focus on what goodness is and why we should change our definition of good.

God Can Only Do Good

Verse 68: You are good and do only good; teach me your decrees.

God is good and he can only do good. This is absolute. It’s a fact. All he has ever done, is doing, and will do is good. How do I know this?

• I’ve read God’s Word and have got to know Him.
• I believe in God’s divine sovereignty and holiness.
• I have faith.

There are many other verses in the Bible that show God’s goodness. Some are of God sharing about Himself. Others are of people declaring it.

We Often Let Our Definition of Good Get in the Way

Verse: 71: My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.

Most often, our definition of good is something that benefits us selfishly. Like Taco Bell getting your order right. Or making every green light. There is a direct benefit.

We hardly think about inconveniences benefitting us. For example, in early 2022 my wife was looking for a job. She had an interview to be a therapist. They loved her and she loved them. It seemed like things were good… until they rescinded the job offer for some reason.

But guess what? She ended up getting a job as the Lead Therapist at an even better agency doing what she loves to do. The minor set back caused tears, doubt, and pain. But God remained good and faithful, just as He always is.

When We See Good in Terms of God, We’ll Experience More of Him

Verse 66: I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge.

If we believe God is good and only does good, and that He is in control, we should change our expectation for what is good. When we trust that God is good, we’ll get to experience more of Him…

• When that tough diagnosis comes our way
• When that relationship ends
• When there is an untimely death
• When you miss an alarm
• When Taco Bell messes up an order… (okay, maybe not as much this one)

Journal Questions:

• What are some good things in your life?
• When have you experienced a setback or inconvenience that turned out to be a good thing?
• Do you praise God for His goodness? If not, what’s holding you back?