The Goodness and Faithfulness of God
Throughout the ages, humans have desired and sought to understand the nature of God and the attributes that define His character.
Q: Before reading any further, list 10 words that you believe describes God’s character. Which of the words mean the most to you?
Two of the most profound and comforting aspects of God's nature is His GOODNESS and FAITHFULNESS. These two qualities are inseparable, intertwined in the very essence of God's being, and are the foundation of our trust and reliance on Him.
The GOODNESS of God is a concept that goes beyond our comprehension. It is a quality that surpasses any earthly measure or finite understanding of what is good.
Consider this; God's goodness is perfect, untainted by any form of evil or malice. In His goodness, He created the world and everything in it and declared it to be good. From the vastness of the universe, the majesty of the mountains to the delicate details of a flower petal, every aspect of creation bears the mark of God's goodness and the fingerprints of His identity. But God's goodness does not end with creation.
Furthermore, God's goodness is not limited to a select few. It extends to all people, regardless of their background, status, or deeds. The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 2:4 that it is "God's kindness (goodness) that leads to repentance." God's goodness is meant to draw people to Him, to awaken their hearts to the truth of His love and forgiveness. No matter how far we may have strayed or how broken we may feel, God's goodness remains steadfast, offering us hope and restoration.
Nahum 1:7 says, “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.”
Additionally, Psalm 34:7 says “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!”
God’s goodness is indeed a blessing for all of us.
Q: How have you experienced God’s goodness in your life?
Alongside His goodness, God's faithfulness is a pillar of His character. Faithfulness speaks of God's unwavering commitment to His promises and His people. In a world where relationships can be temporary, untrustworthy, and unreliable, God's faithfulness stands as an anchor of stability and security for all of us.
David proclaims in Psalm 36:5, "Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds." God's faithfulness knows no bounds, reaching far beyond the limitations of our understanding.
The faithfulness of God is evident throughout the pages of Scripture. He fulfills His promises time and time again, never failing to do what He has said He will do. From the birth of Isaac to the coming of the Messiah, God's faithfulness is a thread woven through the tapestry of salvation history. Even in the face of human unfaithfulness and rebellion, God remains faithful. The apostle Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:13, "If we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself."
Lastly. God's faithfulness extends to every aspect of our lives. He is faithful to forgive our sins when we confess and repent. He is faithful to provide for our needs, both physical and spiritual. He is faithful to guide and direct our steps, even when we cannot see the way ahead. In times of difficulty and uncertainty, we can rely on God's faithfulness to sustain us and carry us through.
Q: In what ways has God been faithful to you?
The goodness and faithfulness of God are not abstract concepts; they have real-life implications for us as individuals and as a Corpath community. When we recognize and embrace God's goodness, it transforms our perspective. We begin to see our world through the lens of gratitude and awe, acknowledging that every good thing we have is a gift from God.
And when we experience His faithfulness, it strengthens our faith and deepens our trust in Him. We can face life's challenges with confidence every day knowing He will never change.
IDEA: Use this Monday Meditation to guide a discussion about God’s goodness and faithfulness with your Corpath Forum group.
My PRAYER:
God, I am taking this moment to see you as you are; wholly good and faithful. I know I often take these attributes for granted as you watch over me. I ask you to forgive my ignorance in that regard. I pray that I would be a willing participant in sharing your goodness and faithfulness. May my light shine before others so they can see the path to you more clearly. Amen.
Blessings as Always!
Steve Shrout
President, Corpath Forums
Email: president@corpath.ca
"Pursuing Excellence in Business, Life and Spirit"
Special Note:
If you enjoyed today’s message, then share it with someone. Also, use this content and questions as a discussion guide in your next Forum Group meeting.
Attached to this is a printable PDF you can use to help with your meditation and reflection. I encourage you to print it, answer the questions and then keep it in a Corpath binder or folder for future reference and thought. You will receive a new PDF each week with each new Monday Meditation, and, over time, your binder will become a book representing your Corpath journey of BUSINESS thoughts, personal LIFE development, and SPIRITUAL growth.
