Introduction

Welcome, dear friends. We gather here today, not as strangers but as family, bound together by the love of our Lord and Savior. We assemble, not as individuals but as a community, united by the shared belief in the goodness of our God. We are here to celebrate, to reflect, and to respond to that goodness, a goodness that is like a beacon in the darkness, a shelter in the storm, a rock on which we can stand firm.

Charles Spurgeon, a man of faith whose words continue to inspire us today, once said, "It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness." This statement, simple yet profound, encourages us to find joy not in the material things of this world, but in the eternal goodness of our God.

Let's turn our hearts and minds to Psalm 16:1-2, which reads: "Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, 'You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.'"

This passage, penned by the shepherd king David, speaks to the heart of our gathering today. David, though a king, recognized that his true refuge, his true source of goodness, was not in his royal status or earthly possessions, but in God alone.

How often do we forget this truth in our own lives? How often do we seek refuge in the transient things of this world, forgetting that our true shelter, our true source of goodness, is in God alone?

As we ponder these questions, let us bow our heads in prayer. Heavenly Father, we thank you for your unending goodness. We thank you for being our refuge, our rock, our source of joy. As we gather here today, we ask that you open our hearts and minds to your word. Help us to celebrate your goodness, to respond to it with gratitude, and to reflect it in our lives. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

So, dear friends, let us now turn our attention to the first main point of our gathering today: Rejoicing in God's Goodness.

Rejoicing in God's Goodness

God's goodness is a vast ocean, deep and wide, full of wonders and blessings that we can scarcely comprehend. It is a goodness that is constant, unchanging, and ever-present in our lives. It is a goodness that is not dependent on our circumstances, our feelings, or our actions.

This goodness is a gift, freely given to us by a loving God who delights in blessing His children. It is a gift that we are invited to receive, to enjoy, and to celebrate.

Rejoicing in God's goodness is an active, intentional choice that we make each and every day. It is a choice to focus on the goodness of God, rather than on the challenges and difficulties of life. It is a choice to give thanks for His blessings, rather than to complain about our problems.

Rejoicing in God's goodness is also not a solitary activity. It is a communal activity, something that we do together as a family of believers. It is a shared experience, a collective expression of joy and gratitude for the goodness of our God.

Psalm 16:1-2. In Psalm 16:1-2, David declares, "Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, 'You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.'" This is a powerful statement of faith and trust in the goodness of God. David recognizes that his true source of goodness is not in his earthly possessions or royal status, but in God alone.

David's declaration is a universal truth that applies to all of us. We too can say, "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you." We too can recognize that our true source of goodness is not in the things of this world, but in God alone.

This recognition is the first step in rejoicing in God's goodness. It is the foundation upon which we build our joy and gratitude. It is the starting point from which we begin our celebration of His love and blessings.

But recognizing God's goodness is not enough. We must also respond to it. We must receive it, embrace it, and allow it to transform our lives. We must let it fill our hearts with joy, our minds with peace, and our souls with hope. We must let it inspire us to live with gratitude, to love with generosity, and to serve with humility.

Responding to God's goodness is a lifelong process. It is a journey of growth and transformation, a journey that requires patience, perseverance, and faith.

Finally, rejoicing in God's goodness also includes others. It is about sharing His goodness with the world, about being a beacon of His love and grace. Sharing God's goodness is a privilege and joy. It is an opportunity to make a difference, to bring hope and healing, to spread love and kindness.

Transition. Rejoicing in God's goodness is a multifaceted activity. It is about recognizing His goodness, responding to it, and sharing it with others. It is about celebrating His love, embracing His blessings, and reflecting His goodness in the world. It is, in essence, about living a life that is centered on God, a life that is filled with His goodness and grace.

Responding to God's Goodness

The first response we see is in the book of Psalms, specifically Psalm 34:8 which states, "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO