Have you considered the goodness of God? The Scriptures tell us that “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17). Every good gift is from God. Not only is it from God, but it is perfect in its purpose and blessing, suited appropriately to the person and moment. Further, it is the unchanging nature of God to do good because he is good.
Take a moment to recount something good in your life regardless of how important or inconsequential it may seem. That good thing came from God. He gives good gifts and only good gifts. We would do well to consider with regularity the blessings of God. The Psalmist records “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103:2). They are, indeed, innumerable. Thomas Watson, a 17th century Puritan preacher and author, reminds us “every time you draw your breath, you suck in mercy.”
God is unceasingly engaged in the caretaking of his creation. That includes each of us “for he giveth breath unto the people upon it [the earth]” (Isaiah 42:5). But our hearts are most often cold and indifferent to all his tender mercies. Even so, he does not change for “he is kind to the unthankful and to the evil” (Luke 6:35).
The goodness of God demands reflection. It is his goodness that leads us to repentance. The Apostle Paul wrote “despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance” (Romans 2:4)? Repentance is essential to salvation. No man or woman will ever come to Christ and be saved without repenting of their sin first. And there is no greater gift than knowing that one’s sins are forgiven and eternal life is promised.
So I ask again, a bit more emphatically, have you considered the goodness of God. Such a reflection necessarily leads to expressing our gratitude to God for his blessings. The Psalmist wrote “Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing” (Psalm 107:21,22).
Finally, such thanksgiving fuels loving service to God for his goodness. Samuel, God’s prophet, exhorted the children of Israel “only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you” (I Samuel 12:24). Perhaps, as Christians, we do not serve as we ought because we have lost sight of God’s blessings. That is easy to do in a materialistic society characterized by entitlement and self-indulgence.
We do well to reflect again and again on the great benefit of sins forgiven. Christ admonished Simon, a Pharisee, “to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little” (Luke 7:47). We dare not lose sight of how great a debt was forgiven through Christ’s blood on our behalf. How can I keep that truth before me? Now, there’s something that genuinely merits consideration!
From the Chaplain 