Steven A. Bush - April 28, 2019
God is Good, Even All the Time
In a prayer found in Psalm 119:68, the psalmist prays: "You are good and do good; teach me Your statutes." (ESV) So many of the Psalms echo the same, not to mention the whole of Scripture. God's goodness is inseparable from who He is. Whether it be love, or truth, or righteousness, or justice, or mercy and compassion or wisdom and knowledge or any other virtue, they not only originate with Him, they are enveloped in His nature. Even His anger, judgment, and punishments are inseparable from His goodness. Romans 8:28 in the Amplified Version says: "And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose." (AMP) These words, no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in, should be deeply reassuring. God's hands that give and His hands that withhold are equally beautiful. His hands that bestow discipline are as loving as His hands that minister comfort. Neither His nearness or perceived absences are ever bereft of His goodness. As a good and loving Father, He gives and takes away. God truly is good--even all the time.