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Go! And Trust In The Unfailing Goodness Of God - Psalm 86:5 Series
Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jan 31, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: Psalm 86:5, reminds us of the truth of God's limitless goodness and that we can fully trust in His grace and mercy.
Go! And Trust in the Unfailing Goodness of God - Psalm 86:5
Introduction:
Charles Spurgeon once said, "God’s goodness is like a boundless ocean, and we have only seen the shore." Today, we are going to explore the vast, limitless goodness of God and why we can fully trust in His grace and mercy. Our key verse, Psalm 86:5, reminds us of this truth.
Psalm 86:5 (NLT): "O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help."
This verse reveals three key attributes of God: His goodness, His readiness to forgive, and His unfailing love. Let us explore these attributes in depth and how they impact our lives today.
1. God’s Goodness is Everlasting
Psalm 145:9 (NLT): "The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation."
The Hebrew word for "good" in Psalm 86:5 is ?ôb, which implies moral excellence, kindness, and divine favour. God’s goodness is not conditional or selective; it extends to all His creation.
God’s goodness is not based on our performance but on His nature. He is inherently good and delights in blessing His people.
Consider how the sun rises every morning, providing light and warmth, regardless of human actions. This reflects God's unwavering goodness.
A.W. Tozer wrote, "The goodness of God is infinitely more wonderful than we will ever be able to comprehend."
Trust in God’s goodness even when circumstances seem uncertain. He is always working for our good (Romans 8:28).
2. God is Always Ready to Forgive
Isaiah 55:7 (NLT): "Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously."
The Hebrew word for "forgive" in Psalm 86:5 is sala?, meaning to pardon, release, and restore. God’s forgiveness is generous and complete.
Forgiveness is not something we earn; it is a gift freely given when we turn to God in repentance.
Imagine a father embracing his wayward child who has returned home—this is the picture of God’s mercy.
Corrie ten Boom said, "There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still."
No matter how far you feel from God, His arms are always open, ready to forgive and restore you.
3. God’s Love is Unfailing
Lamentations 3:22-23 (NLT): "The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning."
The Hebrew word for "unfailing love" in Psalm 86:5 is ?esed, which denotes steadfast, covenantal love. It is the type of love that never diminishes.
Human love may waver, but God’s love remains constant.
Imagine an anchor in the midst of a storm—God’s love holds us firm no matter how strong the waves of life may be.
Tim Keller wrote, "God’s love is not based on our loveliness, but on His loving nature."
Rest in the assurance that God’s love for you is unchanging and everlasting.
Conclusion:
Psalm 86:5 is a powerful reminder of God’s character. He is good, He forgives, and His love never fails.
In response to His goodness:
Trust in His goodness daily.
Accept His forgiveness and extend it to others.
Live in the security of His unfailing love.
Call to Action:
Go! And trust in God’s goodness, forgiveness, and love. Share this truth with others and live in the freedom of His grace.
Invitation to Faith:
If you have never placed your trust in Jesus as Lord and Saviour, today is the day. His goodness, forgiveness, and love are available to you. Will you accept Him today? Let’s pray together.
May we go forth today trusting fully in the goodness, forgiveness, and love of our faithful God. Amen.