- Goodness
Psalm 31:19
Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee;
Which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!
Not just goodness, but great goodness, is laid up and worked out for those who fear the Lord and trust in Him. This conditional promise is meant for those who believe in Jesus; and it is also an incentive for unbelievers to fear and trust the Lord, for the promise of great goodness should be compelling.
How often are believers reminded of these words from Romans 8:28: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” We remind one another of this promise when things are going badly and things look bleak; but we should even more remember this promise when things are going well and things are looking bright. Then we realize again where good comes from and we give Him thanks; we recognize that we have not earned or deserved good things, but God gives good things by grace.
This goodness is “laid up” for us = “Good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10) Out future is laid up for us, and it is good. Not only shall we who fear God do good works, but we shall also reap the blessings that result from doing good works. Doing good and enjoying good: that’s a good thing. Life is good and it is filled with God’s goodness.
This goodness is “wrought” for us = “We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.” (Ephesians 2:10) Christ Jesus is continually shaping us and arranging events and things in His continuous creative activity to work all things together for good. How much goodness has God worked for us? We will never know, but we can always assume that if it was good it was God, for God is great and good.