Seek Good

He [or she] who seeks good finds goodwill,but evil comes to him who searches for it.

Proverbs 11:27 (NIV)

Seeking good is a decision that can become a habit, and then a lifestyle, and then a life. Sadly, we can also chose to seek the bad or the dark or the ugly. This could apply to looking for the good or the bad in a person, a situation or a responsibility, or even your church.

And what are the rewards of seeking good? It is promised that we will find goodwill, or favor. The Hebrew word here is ratson, which actually means “delight.” This makes sense. Think about it. There are some people who always look for the good in people. You just know they see the best in you. What happens? I know for me, it inspires me. I think for most of us it helps us want to rise to that view. We want to be that good person. And how do we feel about being around such a person? We are delighted! Because they are a blessing. Ladies, we need to remember this principle.

We also need to remember that when we always see the bad, the flaw, the failure in our husbands or children or friends or church, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. We are not a blessing, and we discourage people. Sometimes, they give up. Why try?

The apostle Paul wrote the following words from a prison cell in Rome: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8, NIV).

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

A few days ago I couldn’t sleep. So I got up and made a list of people I wanted to pray for. By each of their names, I wrote something I appreciated about them. Then I prayed. My little list made my prayer time one of the sweetest ever as I thanked the Lord for each one. Will you do that? Before you go to bed tonight, sit down and make a list of the people in your life you care about. Then next to each name, write something good and pray with thankfulness.

One Year Bible Reading

Deuteronomy 2:1–3:29; Luke 6:12-38; Psalm 67:1-7; Proverbs 11:27