God Is Good

GOD IS GOOD.

Psalm 145:8-14.

“The LORD is gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, and merciful” (Psalm 145:8). This is similar to the self-revelation of the LORD to Moses (cf. Exodus 34:6). It is an integral part of Israel’s understanding of their God (cf. Numbers 14:18; Nehemiah 9:17; Jonah 4:2). The long-suffering of God is the last thread of hope for a perishing generation (cf. 2 Peter 3:9).

We encounter a word which is translated “all” or “every” seventeen times throughout this Psalm. There is a sense of inclusiveness here, but also the particularity of “each” (Psalm 145:9). To say that the LORD is good to “all” could be quite general: to say that His tender mercies, or compassion, are over “all” His works, or “all” that He has made, is more specific.

We read in the New Testament about the whole Creation groaning (cf. Romans 8:22), eagerly awaiting the revelation of the children of God (cf. Romans 8:19). Not only so, but those who have the firstfruits of the Spirit (i.e. Christians) are also groaning within ourselves as we await the redemption of the body (cf. Romans 8:23). Even the sufferings of the present time become endurable when we consider the glory yet to be revealed in us (cf. Romans 8:18).

This psalm shows us the other side of that coin. All Creation shall praise the LORD, and all His faithful shall bless Him (Psalm 145:10). This “all” is comprehensive, it is extensive, but it also comes down to the level of the ‘each’ as well as the ‘every’ on the individual level. As David says in Psalm 103:1, ‘Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy Name!’

As well as praise, there is conversation (Psalm 145:11). The Creation speaks forth God’s glory (Psalm 19:1). It is also the case that those who are His saints, His faithful, do speak to one another (cf. Malachi 3:16; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). Sharing our testimony is part and parcel of the Christian life.

This conversation is not only for the mutual encouragement and edification of those within the church (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:11), but also for those who are outside the church. “The sons of men” (Psalm 145:12) is also a comprehensive expression, meaning (as some translations have it) “all people”! Those who study Creation may well conclude that there is, after all, a God (and praise His Name, many have); but those who are exposed to genuine Christian conversation have an even better chance of discovering just Who He is!

There is also a comprehensiveness of God’s kingdom (Psalm 145:13). It is both eternal and extensive (cf. Psalm 72:17). This is the same ‘kingdom of God’, or ‘kingdom of heaven’ about which Jesus speaks; and it belongs to Him, and all who are found in Him (cf. 2 Peter 1:11).

The LORD cares for the weak and vulnerable (Psalm 145:14). He heard the cry of the children of Israel in their captivity and set His mind to deliver them (cf. Exodus 3:7-8). Thereafter He taught His people to care for strangers, widows and orphans - and the poor (cf. Exodus 22:21-23; Exodus 22:25). This care is continued in the church (cf. Hebrews 13:2; James 1:27; Galatians 2:9-10).

The LORD cares for those of His own who might otherwise fall (cf. Psalm 73:1-2). He works ‘all’ things together for good (cf. Romans 8:28), for the good of His ‘peculiar’ people (cf. 1 Peter 2:9).