the Goodness of the Lord

As Christmas approaches each year, I have the hope that I will somehow sense the presence of the Lord more than usual. However, it never seems to happen the way that I would hope for. Perhaps it is the busy-ness of the season. Ironically, it is usually after Christmas that I seem to have renewal. Recently, I was touched as I read the Bible. Although I know intellectually that the Lord is good, there seems to be an ebb and flow of that reality in my heart. It is almost as though my heart forgets as I neglect prayer and Bible reading, only to be renewed by the power of the Spirit as I take time to listen to the Lord's voice.

I particularly found comfort and joy as I read Psalms 111 through 120. Here are some samples:

Psalm 113
7 He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
8 he seats them with princes,
with the princes of their people.
9 He settles the barren woman in her home
as a happy mother of children.
Praise the LORD.

Psalm 115
1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us
but to your name be the glory,
because of your love and faithfulness.

Psalm 116
5 The LORD is gracious and righteous;
our God is full of compassion.
6 The LORD protects the simplehearted;
when I was in great need, he saved me.
7 Be at rest once more, O my soul,
for the LORD has been good to you.

Psalm 117
1 Praise the LORD, all you nations;
extol him, all you peoples.
2 For great is his love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.
Praise the LORD.

The foundation of faith is our belief that the Lord is good. Unbelief denies that. Those outside of Christ, outside of the faith, do not believe that He is really good. Otherwise they would become believers. The power of Satan, whom the world is under, is the deception that the Lord is not good.

O Lord, I rejoice in your goodness, your tender mercy, your loving kindness and your faithfulness that reaches to the skies. Forgive me when I neglect and forget your glory and renew me by the power of your Spirit.

John