[ 2 minutes to read ]
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good:
because his mercy endureth for ever.
~ Psalms 118:1
This morning our devotion is fixed in the midst of this verse. Paul urged the Philippians, “if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” There is no better object of our thoughts than the excellencies of Jehovah. Our verse is plain, “for He is good.” We find here a succinct statement. There is no need of brilliant defense and no apology is made. No evidence is needed for support.
Absent, also, are any conditions or limitations. “He is good.” What a wonderful plain and profound truth! God is good because He is God. The world groans. The weather disappoints. The economy is unstable. Friends have failed. Our plans and schemes have been brought to nought. The world goes in cycles. It is always up and down, hot and cold. But not so with God. “He is good.” This statement is eternally in the present tense. He is always good. What of these things can affect God? Christian you would do well this morning to grasp this truth, as it was a rare, precious gem and keep it close to your heart. I believe if you would do so it would rend the veil of sorrows in two, and grant access out of darkness into His marvelous light. Sing with the hymn writer:
O sometimes the shadows are deep,
And rough seems the path to the goal,
And sorrows, sometimes how they sweep,
Like tempests down over the soul!
You must keep in mind that your condition does not affect God. You may tread a darksome path at this very hour. Clouds may obscure the brightness of the day. Yet the sun is not changed for your inability to see it. Our God is still above all, high in the heavens. Remember that Lazarus did receive evil things in his lifetime, but now he is comforted. The fashion of this world shall pass away, but “His mercy endureth forever.” If the flesh has been pulled over your eyes and the goodness of God is obscured; fly to the streams of His mercy and draw a fresh supply of mercy and grace. As you arise to the day’s occupation, one to the work of the house, one to tend to the children, one to the shop, one to the market, one to the employment, and another to the business, give thanks unto the Lord and sanctify the day’s business to Him. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Co 3:17).
In closing, does this meditation not evoke praise? The hymn writer wrote,
Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
If we could but keep the thoughts of His goodness with us daily, then praise would be on our lips. How tame and ruly would our tongues be if employed in prayer and praise to God. Do not be downcast this morning. Look up, “for He is good.” Amen.
the joy of the LORD is your strength.