Psalm 136:1
“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”

The psalmist spends a whole chapter expounding on the fact of God’s goodness. When reading this psalm, the believer can see that God alone is the God who has given us everything that we have, whether good or bad. The psalmist starts out by challenging the believer to give thanks unto the LORD, but he also concludes that thanks should be given unto God after explaining God’s goodness to man.

My friend, God is not good just because your life is going good. God is not good just because you received a blessing. God is not good just because He answered your prayer. Just because your life is going fine does not mean that God is good. God’s goodness doesn’t depend on your determination of His goodness or condition in life. When you go through this psalm, the psalmist declares God’s goodness as they faced the Red Sea, fought wars, endured bondage in Egypt, and He was good even when they walked through a dry wilderness. The well-being of your life never determines the goodness of God, but His character determines His goodness. Let me point out several critical reminders from the verse above about God’s goodness.

First, God’s goodness IS. The verse above says, “…for he is good…” This verse didn’t say that He was good, or that He will be good, it says that He is good. God’s goodness is present tense. In other words, in spite of what you are presently facing, God is still good. Your life may be turned upside down, but God is good. Your family may have turned on you, but God is good. Your finances may be gone, but God is good. You may be burying a loved one, but God is good. You may be facing the biggest battle of your life, but God is good. Always remember that God’s goodness is present tense, which means that He not only was good and will be good, but He is good right now.

Second, God determines goodness. It was not the psalmist who was determining God’s goodness; it was God who determined His own goodness. You have to get out of the business of determining when God is good because you don’t know what good is, only God does. God knows what is good because He sees your tomorrow. What you may think is a bad today may be the catalyst or seed that makes your tomorrow great. Instead of determining when God is good, you should just trust that God knows what is good.

Third, God’s goodness is normally not seen until after enduring the hard times. Throughout this psalm, you will notice that God’s goodness was seen after they went through the battle or obstacle. The children of Israel saw God’s goodness after they walked through the Red Sea, but God was good when they faced the Red Sea that wasn’t parted. My friend, you may not see the other side, but the goodness of God has already cared for your situation. If you are patient, you will see His goodness. Too many people quit before they can see God’s goodness on the other side of their obstacle. Just trust that God is good and you will see His goodness on the other side.

Fourth, God’s goodness is given because of His mercy. Don’t take God’s goodness for granted. The only reason that God is good to you is because He is a merciful God. God’s mercy gives you a reason to be thankful. Let me conclude by reminding you that God IS good all the time.

Author: Allen Domelle