The Fruit of God's Goodness

 

The Fruit of God's Goodness

Psalm 34:8, O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

When the sweet Psalmist of Israel says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good,” David is not speaking of putting God through our examination merely or 'testing God. ' But he is talking about “relishing God's goodness.” To perceive how good He really is by experiencing that goodness firsthand. This incredible invitation to engage with God in a personal and experiential manner, is like trying a new dish or experiencing a new location – you don't know how good it is until you try it. 

The reverse of experiencing God’s goodness is to be anxious or prone to worry.  Worrying is to give way to anxiety, distress, disturbance, or unease, allowing one's mind to dwell on difficulty or troubles. It is a state of uncertainty over actual or potential problems. Vance Havner said, “Worry, like a rocking chair, will give you something to do, but it won’t get you anywhere.” Another person said, “Worry is the advance interest you pay on troubles that seldom come.” Clearly, we must prioritize experiencing God through deliberately trusting Him.

Experiencing God Personally:

"Taste and see that the Lord is good" encourages believers to personally experience God's goodness to actively seek and experience God's presence and blessings through faith and trust, rather than simply accepting claims about His goodness. 

We may reason, argue, resort to logic and marshal Christian evidences, but when all is said and done, a man must taste and see for himself.^[1]

The thought emphasizes God's goodness, His inherent kindness, mercy, and graciousness, as something to be discovered and enjoyed, not merely believing someone else’s testimony. We will know happiness and blessings when we do. 

Psalm 34:8, O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him

The verse also suggests that God's goodness is not just a nonconcrete notion, but something that can be experienced through faith and trust. It's about actively seeking God's presence and guidance in your life and recognizing His blessings. It's more than intellectual understanding, but an active, personal encounter with God's grace and mercy. Again, emphasizing the exquisiteness of His nature and the abundance of His provision. 

Trusting God is also Highlighted:

Additionally, God says, "blessed is the man that trusteth in him," highlighting the connection between experiencing God's goodness and trusting Him. When you trust God, you open yourself up to experiencing His goodness in very tangible ways. 

Note the phrase, "blessed is the man that trusteth in him". This pinpoints how connection with God implies trust, reliance, and finding protection in His care. As a blessed outcome we are happier and sense divine advantages and compensations. 

In military imagery David envisioned divine protection (cf. Gen. 32:2; 2 Kings 6:16).^[2]

It is the call to the life of faith. The saints are invited to walk by faith and not by sight, and to experience God’s marvelous, miraculous, and abundant provision. ^[3]

David's Testimony is Our Invitation:

David had experienced both serious adversity and God's fantastic rescues. He knew personally how good God can be to those who trust Him. He invites you and me to experience God's goodness in the same ways he had. We must actively engage our faith seeking God's inherent goodness and global generosity to find His protection, holy deliverance, promising blessings, and God-given happiness as a result. Instead of worrying, God prescribes,

Matthew 6:33, which says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

This concern with God…knowing and experiencing God should mark us as genuine disciples of our Lord Jesus. Blessings belong to God’s people who trust Him instead of worrying.

Therefore an individual need not be anxious about his existence (Matt. 6:31), for by worrying he can never add any amount of time, not even a single hour, to his life. Rather than being like the pagans who are concerned about physical needs, the Lord’s disciples should be concerned about the things of God, His kingdom and His righteousness. Then all these needs will be supplied in God’s timing. This is the life of daily faith. It does no good to worry^[4]

Conclusion:

The Bible conveys how God is inherently good in and of Himself, His goodness is accessible to those who trust Him, and His goodness extends to all facets His creation. 

We too can experience God's goodness by recognizing His blessings, both big and small, in daily life. This can include tangible things like provision, protection, and love, as well as intangible things like peace, joy, and hope. 

Believing in the goodness of the Lord often leads to expressions of gratitude, praise, and a desire to reflect His goodness in our own lives. This may involve our acts of kindness, compassion, and service to our fellowman also. Certainly, we will be more convinced than ever of the goodness of God.

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^[1] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 598.

^[2] Allen P. Ross, “Psalms,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 819.

^[3] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 598.

^[4] Louis A. Barbieri Jr., “Matthew,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 33.

The Lord is Good

 

The Lord is Good

Psalm 34:8

The phrase "the Lord is good" refers to the belief in God's inherent kindness, generosity, and benevolence towards people and all of creation. 

This expression "The Lord is good" appears often emphasizing God's goodness, mercy, and faithfulness, encouraging believers to trust in Him and praise His name. The point is that God's actions and character are fundamentally good, just, and merciful. 

• Psalm 34:8: "O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him".  Encourages our personal experience and faith in God's goodness, promising blessings to us as we trust in Him. 
• Psalm 100:5: "For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations". Highlights the enduring nature of God's goodness and mercy, extending throughout all generations. We can unflinchingly count on the Lord to constantly and repeatedly deal with us in mercy and truth according to our reoccurring needs.
• Psalm 145:9: "The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works". Emphasizes God's universal goodness and the encompassing nature of His tender mercies. Again, we are invited to behave favorably toward God knowing He is good, affectionate, and compassionate in character.

Consider the thoughts of Dr. Ross, “David then wrote of the marvelous nature of God, affirming that He is gracious and compassionate (cf. 111:4), slow to anger, and full of loyal love (the identical statement, in Heb., is given in Ex. 34:6; Neh. 9:17; Pss. 86:15; 103:8; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2). Because God is good and compassionate to all, all His works and His saints praise Him.”^[1]

• Nahum 1:7: "The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him". Places interest on God's protective nature and His awareness of us as we trust in Him. 

Such a truth is clearly brought out in the following quote: “Though the Lord is wrathful and powerful against those who oppose Him, He is good (cf. Ex. 34:6; Pss. 106:1; 107:1; 136:1; Jer. 33:11) to those who trust in Him. He is good in the sense that He is faithful and merciful, protecting (a refuge in times of trouble), helpful, and caring. The Hebrew word for “refuge” is mā‘ôz. Translated “stronghold” in Psalms 27:1; 37:39; 43:2; 52:7, it means a strong, fortified place. The people of Nineveh thought they were safe in their fortifications, but their security was short-lived compared with the comfort and safety God provides for His people.”^[2]

Is this idea still relevant today? These considerations continue to be relevant for us currently, encouraging us to seek God and experience His goodness firsthand. This emphasis on God’s goodness and kindness is very healthy. It's a reminder that God is not distant, but a present and active force in the lives of those of us who trust in Him. This truth encourages and supports our relationship with Him, fellowship, and our prayers towards Him.

It is important to remember that God’s characteristic of goodness is balanced by His severity. He should not be perceived as ‘good’ from a mere human perspective, but to remember that God is ‘good’ according to His standpoint. This includes a ‘goodness’ that accounts for his severity, justice, righteousness, and chastening. Frankly, God can only be ‘good’ if He is severe also. Yes, God has a strict capacity as well…He is also stern, demanding, and firm to go alone with His goodness, mercy, generosity, and kindness. We must not imagine God or emphasize this quality separated of the other realities as only merciful, kind, or giving. No, we must also notice Him as severe and strict regarding sin, disobedience, and rebellion. If we ever wonder, God is tremendously balanced in His character.

The notion of the severity, strictness, and judgment of God can be seen clearly from the following verses:

Romans 11:22, Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

Exodus 34:6-7, And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, ⁷ Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.

2 Thessalonians 1:8-9, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: ⁹ Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

Matthew 7:23, And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

John 3:36, He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

We must always cherish both aspects of God’s character because they belong together in the Word of God…. His goodness and severity go together. It is only when we truly appreciate His goodness that we adequately consider His severity and vice versa.

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^[1] Allen P. Ross, “Psalms,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 896.

^[2] Elliott E. Johnson, “Nahum,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 1498.

For Goodness Sake!!

Is fighting the Ebola virus on the continent of Africa a good idea? Should we spend more American tax dollars to provide supplies and medicines to refugees affected by the religious persecutions and wars in Iraq and Syria? Is it wise to help US veterans who are disabled and or struggling with PTSD regain their balance to make a fresh start? Should the Veteran Administration Hospitals provide higher quality service and care to those who have hazarded their lives serving our country? These are legitimate considerations facing our country collectively and each of us as Americans. As a prospering nation it is incumbent upon us to show forth goodness to others around the world while diligently addressing the swelling needs here at home. Furthermore Christians are responsible for demonstrating the goodness of God on a daily basis through acts of kindness and generosity. This brings us to another aspect of the fruit of the Spirit called “goodness.” Once more the great Apostle Paul says to us, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Gal 5:22-23). What is goodness according to the Bible?

GOODNESS

In Romans 15:14, Paul says, “And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.” Christians are to be “full of goodness” and this fits them for meaningful ministries of encouragement, exhortation, and warning to others. We should reserve zero room for evil expressions. Again in Ephesians 5:8-10, he says, “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9, (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)10, Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.” “All goodness” is consistent with living according to God’s light and Word; goodness is the fruit of the Spirit, and all genuine goodness is acceptable to the Lord Jesus. Of supreme importance is the fact that God, not society, defines goodness and all types thereof. Once more Paul says in Second Thessalonians 1:11-12, “Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: 12, That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” There is a goodness that belongs to God; a kind of goodness He delights to show and work out in and through Believers for Christ’s glory. Goodness actually demonstrates the grace of God as it influence our lives. Grace marks and controls the expression of goodness. Thus goodness is not merely a passive quality in Believers; it is a deliberate preference to what is right, and a decided rejection of moral evil. Goodness utterly insists upon opposing evil while persisting to follow and choose all forms of moral good (Easton’s Bible Dictionary).

So then the sixth quality the Holy Spirit produces in Believers is “goodness” (Gal. 5:22) toward all including those who have been intentionally insensitive or have sought to do harm to others. Goodness may not only be thought of as uprightness of soul, but also as outward-reaching actions toward others to help or benefit them even when it is not deserved. Goodness is virtue in both disposition and deportment. It is morality within and usefulness demonstrated. Christians must perform that which is beneficial toward others regardless of who they are while pursuing what is good for society. A person’s failed past does not automatically forfeit all expressions of goodness towards them from individuals or society. 

A defining question should be entertained at this point, “Is all ‘goodness’ God’s goodness?” It is imperative that we remember that ‘good’ is to be defined by God and not society at large. Modern secularized values persistently call good evil and evil good. The new morality is actually the same old evil of a past generation. Society influenced by a warp and twisted media will sanction sinful, evil, and outrageous practices in the name of doing ‘good.’ To the biblically illiterate alternative lifestyles are good, drug usage is good, recreational sex is good, consuming alcohol is good, cheating on your marriage is good, aborting babies is good, killing the elderly is good, and corrupt business and government is good. Our society is utterly inept at deciding or executing authentic goodness!

Biblically speaking good encompasses right motives, moral endeavors, and godly outcomes. So, to be considered “good” requires virtuous purposes, a wholesome undertaking or task that actually pleases God, and the end product is honoring to God and truly beneficial to humanity. Biblical goodness does not accommodate the relativistic and situational ethic kind of ‘good’ so common today. There is no conception of using morally evil means to secure ‘good’ ends. Nor is there toleration for wicked endeavors that brought about ‘good’ developments. No leniency is afforded for a net ‘good’ merely because the motives were right. This is because God’s standards for goodness are absolute. He requires wholesome tasks performed with spiritual motives and righteous outcomes. Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Youngblood, and Bruce 1995) says:

Goodness—the quality of being good; praiseworthy character; moral excellence. The Bible speaks often of the goodness of God (Ex. 33:19; Rom. 2:4). God’s goodness consists of righteousness, holiness, justice, kindness, grace, mercy, and love. Goodness is also one of the fruits of the Spirit that should characterize Christian believers (Gal. 5:22). Christians are called to goodness, even as God the Father is perfect and good (Matt. 5:48).

Therefore, a believer branded by spiritual “goodness” will manifest righteousness, holiness, justice, kindness, grace, mercy, and love in action. Though these qualities are perfect in our heavenly Father, they are quite imperfect in us His children. Nevertheless He is the standard of genuine goodness. The Spirit of God will communicate these same qualities into the yielded believer’s experience. That is, we will do right because it is indeed right, be set apart unto God’s will and pleasure, fair/honest in our dealings, kind towards the deserving and undeserving alike, graceful toward all, show mercy to those admitting their failures while affording opportunities for redemption, and give love to friends and foes unconditionally. The glory of God is upon such a life; Christ is greatly honored through such expressions. The more mature we are in Christ, the more prominently “goodness” will pervade our personalities.

Goodness can also be described as “generosity of self and possessions.”  It includes hospitality and a multiplicity of acts of benevolence, charitableness, generosity, philanthropy, and thoughtfulness that flow from an unselfish heart. It portrays a kind soul who is far more interested in investing in the lives of others than receiving.  God’s desire for all believers is that we continue actively engaging in multiplied good works. This is precisely what Paul prescribed in Titus 3:8, “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.” God plans for His people to be intentionally plugged into activities, ventures, venues, and opportunities that express goodness—organizations that are profitable to humanity. Bible believing churches always need more bus workers, evangelism ministries always need more participants, homeless ministries constantly need volunteers, discipleship ministries need workers, and jail ministries could use a great deal more help. The person who is often given to melancholy moods, gloom and depression because of an over indulgence in self-centered thinking needs this quality.  There is something restorative about serving others that lifts a person out of the rut of self-thoughts. 

To see goodness in action consider the life of the Lord Jesus who ceaselessly “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38; Matt. 9:35; 12:15; 15:21-31). Consider the record of Matthew,

And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. ²⁴ And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them. ²⁵ And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan (Matthew 4:23-25).

No one would argue that these were not genuinely good actions performed by the Lord Jesus. He filled up His life with such helpful exercises of service to God and mankind. He recruited and trained others to serve alongside Himself and to continue such spiritual and benevolent acts/deeds. Likewise it is still good to preach the Gospel of salvation, teach the truth of God’s Word to transform lives, and labor to heal people’s bodies and minds. According to our Lord Jesus’ example, it is good to help folks overcome the forces of evil and darkness in their individual struggles, deal with the mistakes and failures of their past, and fight the spread of violent diseases. These are good endeavors before God and for the good of humanity. The Lord Jesus made these the focus of His ministry to others. The kind of help He afforded empowered, lifted, and transformed the present situation posturing people for a better future. He did NOT perpetuate a victim mentality! His incredible works demonstrated that He is indeed the Messiah, the Son of God, and what was truly important to God. The Lord Jesus helped people with their most pressing spiritual needs, and He ministered to their temporal needs as well. He gave them bread to eat that He may offer them the Bread of Life (John 6). He freed people from sin and it’s power that they may experience all their potential in the plan of God for them. The dysfunctional become functional and the disenfranchised are invested with fresh opportunities because of Christ’s goodness to us all.

One could also read Luke 10:30–35, where the Good Samaritan showed himself a good neighbor.  Though there was hostility and religious animosity between the Samaritans and the Jews, still he did everything in his power to aid this fallen Jewish traveler. He not only overcame cultural prejudices, but he defined what it means to be a real neighbor. The Samaritan took the time, altered his schedule, possibly endangered himself, invested his money, valued commonalities more than their differences, took the necessary pains to be of help, generously used his resources, sought to alleviate a real need, and made whatever arrangements were necessary to help this wounded man. He did good because he fundamentally valued another human life. The power of goodness is still just as potent in this modern age of injustice and prejudices. It can still transform individuals and societies through the Gospel of Jesus Christ and submissive believers. Too many Christians fear the fact that showing goodness will cost them. It will cost time, energy, and resources. It is almost never convenient, and yes, we will have times when we feel used and unappreciated. Yes, we will be challenged repeatedly to reevaluate our priorities—what is truly or most important?

But what about the risks involved with helping troubled people? Yes, people will try to take advantage of our goodness. Yes, there are serious inherent dangers to fighting viruses and diseases like Ebola. Yes, our nice and neat schedules will be altered, interrupted, and changed again…again…and again…. Yes, it will cost you and me personally and it will cost the churches or organizations we serve with. Yes, we must take serious precautions/considerations before bringing a homeless stranger into our home for the winter. Yes, there will be occasions when we feel like we are not making any progress. Yes, there will be times when we question whether all this is worthwhile. Yes, there will be setbacks, frustrations, unanticipated roadblocks, regulatory issues, misunderstandings, opposition from those who question our motives, and legal hurdles to clear, but we must remember what we are doing. Yes, we may have to give up a certain higher quality of life…perhaps less personal luxuries in order to address the raw needs of others. Yes, there will be people trying to take advantage of our services or help perpetually. Yes, we will have to make some difficult decisions concerning those who do not want Christ and the Gospel; they really only want a meal or yet another handout. Still…still…still difficulties in worthwhile endeavors are worth the headaches! With proper consideration for biblical guidance, laws, regulations, protocols, and risk management, we continue to maintain good works that are pleasing to God and good for people. There will be “Christian” groups who will criticize us for being too temporal, too social, or too liberal. Let them say what they will; model your efforts after those of the Lord Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry. Remember our Lord had many critics who did NOTHING to address people’s spiritual, physical, or otherwise real needs! Like the religious leaders in our Lord’s time, these are far too concern with their personal interests to really be of help to anyone.

There will be times when the Holy Spirit will prompt us Christians to perform a kind act of service. We need to be sensitive and follow these divine impulses. D. L. Moody once stated that it was his custom, after presenting himself to the Holy Spirit’s leadership, to act upon the impulses which came to mind, provided they did not involve violating any known principle of the Word. Is this not a healthy practice to personally adopt? God will transform the inner life as we experience the joy of giving into the lives of others refusing to be selfish and stingy. God is looking for the opportunity to make a greater impact in our world, but He desires to work through people who practice divine goodness by the power of the Holy Ghost. Each submissive believer represents an opportunity to do good right now. The needs are all around us! If you are like me, there are needs in your family and home that you can address in the name of our Lord. There is a hand you can hold, a Bible story you can read at bedtime, a tear you can wipe away, a hand you can give, a prayer ministry you can execute, and a sounding board you can provide. You can be an ear to listen, someone to pray with, and a shoulder to cry on. You can provide these incredible gifts by the grace of God at work in you. You do not need the wealth of a Bill Gates to do good in people’s lives, but you do need the power of God’s Spirit. Look to Him regularly for guidance, strength, power, and all spiritual resources. Understand that you cannot do it all, but you can make a difference in someone’s life. God will supply the grace and wisdom we need as we are careful to maintain good works that glorify Him and help our fellow man. Beloved, it is right to do good for goodness sake! 

Cultivating A Thankful Heart

Cultivating a Thankful Heart….

Psalm 92, is a song of unmistakable praise and thanksgiving unto the Lord God (Ps. 113). It wonderfully celebrates the Person and work of God in a most energetic fashion. In verses one through four, it encourages our spirits to respond to God in praise and worship. As a result, we are challenged to: 1) Cultivate a persistent outlook of thankfulness; 2) Celebrate the wisdom of Jehovah God in worship enlivened with exuberant thanks; 3) Reflect often on the awe inspiring achievements of God in order to sustain a spirit of gratitude. As such, this Psalm can greatly advance our efforts to develop a thankful character.

Psalm 92, is timely counsel because it seems we are naturally inclined to solicit, expect, require, and even demand the good we feel we are entitled to or deserve. People routinely speak in terms of "getting what they deserve." Our culture has been inundated with an entitlement mentality. Everyone has a rights to this, that, and the other; however, precious few understand responsibility. Self-reliance is a dirty word and genuine appreciation has been lost along the way! With privilege comes responsibility, and the more we are privileged, the more gratitude is required of us.

We are also prone to take the numerous blessings we enjoy for granted. One trip to an under developed country will do wonders for our arrogant materialistic ingratitude. Every time I am afforded the opportunity to walk on the foreign soils of a "second" or "third" world country I am struck anew with the reality that God has been extremely good to the USA. Even after serving in several locations in Europe gratitude wells up in my soul because I have been reminded of how God has blessed our country.

In fact, often we do not even think about how privileged we truly are until we lose those benefits and opportunities! I am ashamed to admit that my sense of gratitude deepened only after I saw someone without the common gifts I tend to take for granted.  While living in Germany, I saw an article in the Stars and Stripes newspaper with a picture of a brave Marine and his good wife. This young man was being discharged after a period of special care and therapy. You see he owns a Purple Heart medal because of injuries he sustained while serving the interests of our country in Afghanistan. He is a triple amputee. The photo portrayed him in his wheelchair with his wife carrying both of his prosthetic legs. The photo was taken as they exited the main entrance/exit doors while leaving the hospital. My first glance at the image on the page stunned and gripped me. Emotions welled up inside me, that I still have difficulty explaining. Unbelief, shock, anger, frustration, surprise, sorrow, and yes pulsating shame. All of these emotions flooded my mind at once and literally overwhelmed me. I was moved; I also immediately felt shame for my complaining, grumbling, and other 'natural' expressions of annoyance at the least discomfort or irritation. "Dear God," I squirmed, "please forgive my hardened and ungrateful heart of pride—my gross overestimation of my value and worth!" Then the Lord, in His graciousness, later whispered to me, “Look at all the goodness I afford you Wayne...and you habitually take them for granted as if you actually deserve them.” "You even get angry and cross with Me because I do not do for you what you think I should," The Almighty continued. I was embarrassed before God about my attitude and insensitivity. I did not even realize how I was violently mistreating Him! In those sobering moments, I realized that being appreciative was a real grave need in my heart. "Something must be done...it is sin to continue like this..." I thought. Thankfulness and gratitude... I must cultivate an attitude of gratitude that marks me every day of life. The question for me was how. How do I become a person marked by godly gratitude?

While God initially used Psalm 92, I was soon reminded that gratitude is one evidence of a Spirit-filled Believer. This was a little embarrassing to recognize because I thought I knew this already (Eph. 5:18-21). However, knowing the truth and living the truth are poles apart! Make no mistake about it; an attitude of gratitude desperately needed to be cultivated in my heart. This would transpire primarily through reflecting on the natural goodness of Jehovah God. You see, we must sow seeds of truth in our minds in order to grow a garden of gratitude. We can intentionally plant truths related to God's goodness, mercy, grace, faithfulness, wisdom, power, and love. We first thank Him for these realities about His glorious Person, and we can recount specific instances where these qualities appeared in Scripture. His wisdom, power, and grace can be seen in Genesis chapters one and two—the creation account. His goodness, love, and mercy are evidenced in Genesis chapter three—the record of The Fall of Man. We sow these seeds in our minds by reflecting on the character and nature of God Himself as revealed in the Word. When we think about and 'define' Him, it is with these truths revealed in the Word. We discard wrong concepts of God and continue to construct correct concepts of Him from the Word. Even when life hurts most, we consciously chose to believe the Word's portrayal of God instead of our interpretations of Him through our pains and struggles. Because He is always good, we have cause to be thankful and to express thanks unto Him. Yes, rain helps a garden of gratitude to grow most beautifully!

Closely related to celebrating God's natural goodness is the need to recount His kind generosities towards us and our love ones. This involves counting our blessings and benefits of salvation, service, sanctification, strength, supply, and even struggles (2 Thess. 2:13, 14). Sometimes God teaches us thankfulness through reverses, setbacks, loses, pain, and trials. If it were not for some of these painful experiences, we would go right on taking His grand goodness toward us for granted. Taking God’s goodness for granted while demanding more of His bounty is that awful form of gross ingratitude that characterizes too many of us. To develop such a prideful attitude requires no work at all, but genuine thankfulness must be learned. We must sow the seeds of truth in the soil of our soul in order to bring forth the fruits of gratitude. Yes, I am convinced the focus of our thankful reflections should be upon God and His goodness. A good long look at the thankfulness of the Lord Jesus is a grand encouragement as well (Matt. 11:25, 26; John 11:41). Who else could inspire greater gratitude in the human heart than the Lord? This is the God who “so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son [Jesus], that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

When we begin to see His goodness in all aspects of our lives, we will begin to recognize with appreciation the goodnesses of others in our lives as well. Why...we might even find ourselves saying "thank you" far more often (Phil. 4:10-19). Those around us and closest to us will begin to see that we know something about the goodness and gracious character of Almighty God, and that we have rightly assessed His graciousness in our personal experiences. So, begin today to cultivate a heart and spirit of gratitude. Sow some seeds of truth about God's goodness and His goodness towards you. Allow these to grow into genuine expressions of appreciation. Cultivate these by the grace of God when the rains of life come. Nurture the growth of thanksgiving deep within and it will bloom into wonderful and exuberant bursts of appreciation in a life distinctly marked  with gratitude. Kill the weeds of complaining and fuming about every little thing! By the grace of the Spirit of God bear the fruit of thanks toward God and your fellow man. Indeed, “it is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD” (Ps. 92:1).