God is good
by Dianne Eckermann
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Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good: for his steadfast love endures forever! (Psalm 118:1)
These words have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I recall sitting around my grandparents’ kitchen table after meals (apple crumble was a favourite dessert). Before my grandfather would push his chair back, roll a cigarette and begin recounting the stories of his day, we would always give thanks. It’s not surprising I always associate this verse with a feeling of great comfort and thanksgiving: good food, the love of family and a special-occasion visit to my grandparents’ house.
This psalm begins and ends with the same words of thankfulness for God’s love and goodness. It is not the only psalm that includes these words, so we hear repeatedly that God is good and his love endures forever. Repetition of this message really emphasises its importance. So, we can confidently thank God for his amazing goodness towards all people.
We can also confidently offer thanks to God because his love endures forever. His love for his creation has always been in existence; it exists right now and will continue always. God’s love is so great that he sent Jesus to save each one of us. Jesus knowingly gave his life for us for the same reason.
Jesus refers to Psalm 118 in Matthew 21:42. He speaks of the stone that the builders rejected, the cornerstone. He knows that the great welcome he has received into Jerusalem will not last and that he will be rejected. But such is his great love for us that he will undergo a harsh and brutal death to save us. Unlike the fickle crowd who welcomed Jesus before turning on him, God’s love remains a constant in our lives. And for that, we can offer him great thanks.
Heavenly Father, we can never thank you enough for your unchanging love or the great sacrifice of Jesus, your son. Please help us to appreciate this great sacrifice and truly understand the depths of your goodness. Amen.
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