Glen Head
In times like these, often it is too easy to preach and speak of the severity of God. We are constantly around those things that oppose God and we recognize that we must always keep our guard up against the evils of this world. Yet where does relief come from? Where can we go for a respite from time to time?
The word severity is mentioned in Romans 11:21: Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness otherwise thou shalt be cut off. In principle and context, severity falls on those that oppose God, but the goodness of God comes to those who continue to obey Him. If we as Christians continue to abide in Christ, doing the will of the Father, His goodness surrounds us every day. How great it is to serve a loving God that blesses His people over and over, time and time again!
David rejoices at the thought of the goodness of God in Psalm 31:19-21: Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the (continued from front) sons of men! Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. Blessed be the Lord. We also learn that through God’s goodness we have security and assurance that He is for us. David held tight to the Word of God and did not let it go nor forsake it. So must we. When we are in our lows, by His word we can be reminded of the goodness for those who fear and trust in the living God. It will keep us through thick and thin to survive the fiery darts of the wicked.
David speaks of the evil man in Psalm 52:2-5: Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue. God shall likewise destroy thee for ever. There are many psalms where the writer is weary and downtrodden because of all the evil that surrounds him, but not this psalm. Psalm 52:6-9: The righteous also shall see, and fear, and shall laugh at him: Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness. But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever. I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints. David opens this Psalm by asking a question. “Why boasteth thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man?” The whole world lies in mischief, so to speak. Men speak evil and abound in unrighteousness all the day long. Where do the righteous lay their heads for rest? To whom do we go for refuge?
The world boasts about its greatness. But David answers back and says, “The goodness of God endureth continually.” “He shall take thee (the wicked) away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living.” In David’s patience and obedience to God, he saw the day that evil men were punished for their wicked deeds. So too, if we are patient and trust in God, we can see evil men and their ways fall before the Lord while His goodness shines forth as He has promised.
Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing (Psalm 107:21). “THE GOODNESS OF GOD ENDURETH CONTINUALLY!”
~ Glen
