Exodus 34:6-7—“And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children to the third and the fourth generation.”
Penned by: Erlinda Mejia Olson
On Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 13:40 CST
The first time I heard the soul-stirring song "The Goodness of God," I could not stop humming its beautiful melody and singing its heartfelt lyrics. It resonated within me like an unspoken expression of my profound adoration for my magnificent God and King. Each morning, I cherish listening to uplifting Christian music, as it inspires my spirit and sets my day on a positive path, much like the peace found in morning devotionals. This morning was no exception; the music felt like a refreshing balm compared to the relentless barrage of news that often fills the day.
It’s the Year 2025! I thank the LORD for another chance to have Him make a difference, transforming change in my life and in those around me. Today, the lyrics of "The Goodness of God" deeply captured my attention. From the moment I first experienced this song, I have found myself singing it countless times, even during moments at work when I am focused on caring for my patients at the bedside. The words wrap around me like a comforting embrace, serenading my tired body and lifting my weary soul. As I reflected on its message, I felt an overwhelming sense of God's goodness enveloping me, igniting a desire to praise Him—not just for what He has done in my life, but for who He is at His core. I poured my heart into singing about His goodness, filled with gratitude and joy.
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| Goodness of God |
God embodies goodness in its purest form, an integral aspect of His divine nature. He is the very definition of what it means to be good. Exodus 34:6 proclaims that God is rich in goodness, offering a profound glimpse into His character. In this powerful passage, the Lord reveals Himself to Moses, displaying such an overwhelming glory that Moses, carefully shielded by God's hand, can only catch a fleeting glimpse of the back of His radiance. This verse hints at the vastness of God's goodness; mere human words fall short of fully illustrating its depth.
God is merciful but also compassionate and gracious, generously forgiving our sins. His heart is filled with patience; He is slow to anger and offers us the gift of time to seek Him in repentance rather than meeting the immediate punishment we may deserve. How fortunate we are to experience such grace! His goodness is not just present; it overflows, filling every space in our lives. It calms our anxieties, binds our wounds, and pours the soothing oil of gladness upon our sorrows. God is goodness itself—an unfathomable source of love and light that transcends our understanding and enriches our lives in ways we can scarcely imagine.
His goodness is more than just enough; it is a profound and unwavering force that flows from a deep well of love and compassion—true mercy. This goodness sustains me in my everyday life and offers comfort for the eternity that lies ahead. As a wife, daughter, sister, and aunt, in my profession as a Registered Nurse and a servant, I feel immense responsibility for the well-being of my husband, my loved ones, my patients, and even the generations that will follow, many of whom I will never meet. I take solace in knowing that God's goodness extends far beyond my life; it IS sufficient for all of them. The next verse beautifully reveals that His goodness and mercy reach a thousand generations, creating a legacy of hope.
The song evokes a vivid image of God's goodness as it actively pursues me, chasing after me with an unwavering fervor. I find immense gratitude in this truth, especially during those challenging moments when I wander away from His comforting presence. No matter how far I try to run, His boundless mercy and goodness continue to chase me down, steadfast and relentless, refusing to let me slip away. This pursuit brings an overwhelming sense of comfort as I recognize that the same divine goodness envelops my loved ones, ensuring their protection and guiding them through life’s journey for years. I often find myself lost in thought, pondering the prayers of my ancestors who may have lifted me and set in motion the countless blessings and acts of kindness that have touched my life. Thank You, my LORD, for Your everlasting love and for ceaselessly pursuing me, even when I stray! Oh, the goodness of God!
To God be all the glory in Christ.
