THE SHEPHERD’S GOODNESS

There are many who say, “Who will show us any GOOD?” LORD, lift thou up the light of Your countenance upon us – Psalm 4:6

Beyond the unveiling of the LORD as our crucified Good Shepherd, risen Great Shepherd, and returning Chief Shepherd, it is rewarding to meditate on His Goodness, Greatness, and “Chief-ness”. First let’s consider His Goodness: “I will make My all My Goodness pass before you…” (Ex.33:19a). He promises: “I will satiate the soul of the priests with abundance, and My people shall be satisfied with My Goodness” (Jer.31:14). Who else could most aptly illustrate this than David, the shepherd-turned-king? For example, Psalm 23 ends with the assurance of GOODNESS and MERCY following the sheep perpetually (v.6). Beloved, even if it doesn’t appear to be so, “the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD” (Ps.33:5). Our Shepherd crowns the year with His goodness, and His paths drip with abundance (Ps.65:11).

David mused in Psalm 4:6, that there are many who say, “Who will show us any GOOD?” These words seem to describe the pessimistic outlook that people so easily project and imbibe in today’s world. Newspaper headlines and Internet or television top stories seem to focus on accidents, crime, corruption, economic depression, anti-social behaviour, insurgency, violence, turmoil, and wars. Most conversations at home and work dwell on conflicts, difficulties, and problems, with the tendency to discourage the soul and dampen the spirit. It is as though “Good” has gone from the world and left a famine of goodness!

In the midst of his challenges and troubles, David turned to the Lord, who in Mercy relieved his distress (v.1) and heard his prayer (v.3). He was confident in the Goodness of the Lord; knowing that He would hear and hearken when called upon. Instead of hoping for temporary relief from circumstances, he found unceasing encouragement in the God who lifts up “the light of His countenance upon us” (v.6). The result of God’s GOODNESS was a GLADNESS of heart that surpassed any worldly prosperity or success (v.7).

David’s entire life, before and after he became king of Israel, was never devoid of opposition; but at the end of the day, he could say, “I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety” (v.8). Being grateful for God’s Goodness could be a good way to begin our waking hours and retire to bed every night. This was the Psalmist’s recurring song: “Oh that men would give thanks to the LORD for His Goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!” (Ps.107:8). Oh, that the Lord “fulfil all the good pleasure of His Goodness” in our lives in Jesus name (2The.1:11).