God’s Idea of “Good”

By |Published On: May 11, 2018|Categories: News|

“No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” —Psalm 84:11

When I was a teenager, I savored this verse. The way I looked at it, all I had to do was “walk uprightly:” turn in my homework, finish my chores, argue less with my sisters, go to church, say my prayers… and God would take care of the rest. Good grades, a nice boyfriend, and an easy ride through college would surely be in my future. But I’ve lived long enough in my wheelchair to know that sometimes, our idea of “good” falls substantially short from God’s idea of good. So how do we accurately read Psalm 84:11? Let me share with you the commentary of Sir Richard Baker, who says:

“But how is this true, when God oftentimes withholds riches and honors, and health of body from men, though they walk ever so uprightly. We may therefore know that honors and riches and bodily strength are none of God’s good things — they are of the number of things… The good things of God are chiefly peace of conscience and the joy in the Holy Ghost in this life; fruition of God’s presence, and vision of his blessed face in the next — and these good things God never bestows upon the wicked, and never withholds from the godly.” — Sir Richard Baker

Amen! Because it’s so true – for me, walking may sound like a very good thing, but there are more important things in life than walking. Things like courage, patience, perseverance, compassion, kindness, and so much more. Oh friend, I don’t know what hardships you may be facing today, but will you join me in setting your spiritual eyes on God’s idea of good? Think about all the ‘good gifts’ that God has so graciously bestowed upon you — the gift of His peace and hope — and you, too, will find your heart resonating with God’s definition of good.

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