God's Goodness In Today's World

by PRASHER, G. | Category: Focus | Nov 2003

'The LORD is good to all, and His tender mercies

are over all His works'. (Ps.145:9)

Year 2003 has brought no small quota of tragedy throughout the world. Month by month the news has included situations of human suffering through natural disaster, terrorism and international armed conflict.

True though this is, we do well at times to stand back and see the world scene in wide perspective to appreciate the marvellous goodness of God despite all the provocation of human sin against Him. In the 65th Psalm David dwells in some detail on one aspect of God's universal goodness.

'O God of our salvation,

.... the confidence of all the ends of the earth,

And of the far-off seas; ...

You visit the earth and water it,

You greatly enrich it; . . .

You provide their grain,

For so You have prepared it.

You water its ridges abundantly ... settle its furrows ... make it soft with showers ... bless its growth' (vv.5,9,10).

Still today mankind remains dependant on the Creator to maintain conditions which make food production possible. Widespread neglect of the ecology notwithstanding, the needs of millions of people are daily supplied throughout many nations. With wonderful largeness of heart our Father in heaven 'makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust' (Mat.5:45).

In countless other ways God's goodness abounds, and His tender mercies are seen to be over all His works. Sensational news coverage tends to highlight violence and destruction. Yet there's a vast network of activity, often involving financial sacrifice and great personal dedication, which brings new hope and practical help to suffering people. It's certainly appropriate that Christian testimony should be commended through the good works of the Lord's disciples. In this way they reflect the character of the God whom they represent.

'"Let your light so shine before men,"' said the Master, '"that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven"' (Mat.5:16). Through this the manifold goodness of God is mediated to many in a needy world. 'God is able to make all grace abound toward you,' wrote Paul to the Corinthians, 'that you ... may have an abundance for every good work' (2 Cor.9:8). Similarly the apostle Peter shows the effect of Christian behaviour among Gentiles who spoke evil of believers, yet 'by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation' (1 Pet.2:12).

The anonymous writer of Psalm 107 was led by the Holy Spirit to dwell on God's universal concern for all mankind, and called repeatedly for due acknowledgement of it.

'Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness,

And for His wonderful works to the children of men!' (vv.8,15,21,31)

The Psalm describes various conditions of human distress, such as the plight of prisoners held in rigorous bondage (10-12), or the despair of sufferers from disease caused by their own sin (17-18). In response to their cries to God for help in their troubles He has broken the gates of bronze, and cut the bars of iron in two (16), and sent His word and healed them (20). The Psalm ends with a word of counsel: 'Whoever is wise will observe these things, and they will understand the lovingkindness of the LORD'. (43)

As another year draws to a close we may profitably reflect on the vast scale of God's goodness and lovingkindness throughout its course. His greatest goodness and mercy are of course expressed in the Gospel of His Son, in our times more widely communicated than ever before through the development of modern technology. In Psalm 103 David captured the thought of God's goodness expressed in both spiritual and temporal blessings: thankfully let us share his adoration!

'Bless the LORD, O my soul;

And all that is within me, bless His holy name!

Bless the LORD, O my soul,

And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities,

Who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction,

Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies.' (vv.1-4)

PRASHER, G. | Nov 2003
Focus