“Oh, that men would give thanks to God for His goodness.” Psalm 107:8 NKJV.

Even the misfortune of circumstance or mistreatment of others is redeemed in God’s hands.

Much more good fills one’s life than bad, though it doesn’t always feel that way in a particular moment. Occasionally, the good can be overshadowed by the other, if not overlooked altogether. Much of life results from your focus and choice. You will see what you’re looking for, whether the best or worst. I suggest you should always look for what you hope to find. Choosing to look for the good, you will not focus on the other.

You may be surprised how often you will find good around you, as well as in yourself and others. Read Psalm 33:5 NKJV. You will be happier, while lesser things will seem increasingly extraneous or mere distractions. “Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! . . He fills the hungry soul with goodness.” Psalm 107:8-9 NKJV. Goodness is both God’s character and His specialty. David’s admonition becomes a recurring refrain in this Psalm. (See Vs. 8/15/21/31). Such clear repetition is a spiritual emphasis not to overlook.

This Psalm is King David’s joyful rehearsal of God’s love, and David’s thankfulness for, “[God’s] goodness and wonderful works.” Read the Psalm deliberately; meditate on God’s faithfulness; rehearse your history in a better light; see and celebrate the goodness of God in every circumstance. David was also certain of this: “You crown the year with goodness; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.” Psalm 65:11 NKJV/NLT. It is still early enough in this New Year to choose faith for goodness to crown yourself, family, and finances.

Your pain, as well as your own plans, can blind you to the sovereign goodness of God over your life. You cannot give thanks for goodness you fail to recognize as such. Learn to see the benevolence of God in situations. Who could have struggled more with unfairness and subsequent suffering than Old Testament Joseph? Joseph suffered his brothers’ jealousy, imposed slavery, years of separation, false accusation, unjust imprisonment, then overlooked by those he helped – yet Joseph could still see the goodness of God upon his life.

In his later years, Joseph summed up his appraisal of life this way, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20 NIV. Man’s best or worst intentions neither pre-empt nor prevent the benevolent intentions of your God. Read Psalm 34:8 NLT/1 Peter 2:3 NIV.

Even the misfortune of circumstance and the mischief or mistreatment of others can be redeemed in God’s love and purpose. “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them . . to become like his Son.” Romans 8:28-29 NLT. Love God with all your heart; trust Him in all times. You will experience difficult situations along the way; everyone does. Read Psalm 27:13-14 NKJV.

In such moments, God has not changed. His nature and character are steadfast. God is good all the time. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 RSV. Thankfulness is appreciation for goodness today and anticipation for tomorrow. Be thankful! Thankfulness is the appropriate response of one’s heart to the goodness of God.

My prayer for you today is that you will live assured that God is good, all the time.