Amanda Hodges
March 12, 2021
(Amanda Hodges, daughter of Carl Hodges, who is a new member, having joined in January.)
“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.” –Psalm 107: 8-9
In the first story, God gives his people—the story of creation itself. At the end of each day, He proclaims His work “good.” From light on the first day, the separation of sea and land, plants, the sun, moon, and stars, animals, and finally mankind…all of these are “good” because they highlight His purity, power, creativity, and love.
With Adam and Eve’s first disobedience came suffering, strife, and grief. This was not some punitive measure on God’s part; by defying His authority and questioning God’s motives, Adam and Eve introduced sin and marred creation itself, and this world could no longer just be called “good.”
We can point to so much that isn’t good, can’t we? In our better moments, we rankle at injustice, poverty, and sickness. In our darker ones, we nurse our private hurts and grudges, give way to envy and selfishness. We know too well the sting of shame and the burden of mourning. And, as we look around at the cruelty and unfairness of our world, we can feel overwhelmed.
But the same God who created us for relationship remains good even when we show our faithlessness. King David, the flawed king who was nonetheless a man after God’s own heart, openly reeled from personal grief and the betrayal of those he trusted, yet David still proclaimed he would “see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” God’s mercy and renewal can extend to us here and now.
The mercy of God and the full restoration of His goodness come full-circle through Christ. Jesus was good to everyone he encountered; he healed the blind and lame, extended mercy to tax collectors and adulterers, spoke truth to correct the self-righteous, and lived and taught love above all else. He exchanged his divine love for our rebellious inequity, and only that act of utter grace could establish a full reconciliation with God. As Christ died on the cross, the sky darkened, and the veil between the outer courts of the Temple and the Holy of Holies was torn asunder. With his sacrifice, Christ ushered in real hope of reconciliation and renewal.
So what does it look like if we are to reflect the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living? Each day, we have the opportunity to model ourselves on Jesus, to plead with the Holy Spirit to work in us. Do we have chances to show kindness? To extend forgiveness? To speak truth? To really listen to others? To love people, even (especially) when they aren’t like us? When we emulate Jesus’s love in action, we reflect the eternal and unchanging goodness of God.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your abundant goodness. Help us to have eyes to see your merciful hand and all of the ways you guide, bless, and nurture your people. Thank you for pouring out your grace and goodness so freely. Fill my heart with love, strengthen my will with courage, and enrich my life with service, and keep my eyes fixed on you. Amen
