God Is Good

The LORD is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way. The LORD leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.

Psalm 25:8-10

MANY OF US COULD PASS a theology test about God’s character, but there’s a huge difference between knowing what we’re supposed to believe about God and actually believing in Him at a true heart level. The true test of our faith is how it affects the way we live our lives, especially when things go wrong.

Psalm 25:8 declares in no uncertain terms that God “is good and does what is right.” Do you believe that? Really believe that? Has anything ever happened in your life that has caused you to seriously doubt God’s goodness? Sooner or later (and probably multiple times) most of us will be tested at this very point: Is the Lord good despite what has happened? The answer according to Scripture is yes. “All the LORD’s ways show faithful love and truth” (Psalm 25:10, HCSB).

Notice the connection between the first half of verse 8—“The LORD is good and does what is right”—and the second half: “He shows the proper path to those who go astray.” Verse 9 adds, “He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way.” The Lord’s goodness is demonstrated in how He treats sinners—which is well. Moreover, He “leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.” As creatures who still struggle with sin (and a lack of humility), we are not in a good position to judge God. We don’t actually know what good is. Instead, we’re told to trust God because He is good.

BOTTOM LINE

God’s goodness cannot be rightly judged by our circumstances, which aren’t always good. He is good no matter how things look on the outside.

Moment of Strength: Psalm 119:68