Sometimes it’s hard to praise God. Sometimes God feels distant. Sometimes we don’t feel God’s goodness at all. Yet when we take a moment to truly pause and dwell in His presence, we realize that He is always worthy of praise, always present, and always good. Dive into this study to truly receive the freedom of knowing God is good!
Provident
Day 1
Scriptures: Lamentations 3:22-23, Psalms 144:9-10, 1 Chronicles 16:34
“I love You, Lord. For Your mercy never fails me. All my days, I’ve been held in Your hands.” (Goodness of God)
How can you praise the Lord today?
Perhaps praising the Lord seems really hard today. Perhaps you’re reading these words and you feel numb because the weight of heartbreak, or shame, or pain, or confusion, or anger lays heavily on your shoulders. You’re thinking, “How can I praise God when I don’t have anything to praise Him for?”
Remembrance is the key. “Goodness of God” says, “I love You, Lord. for Your mercy never fails me. All my days, I’ve been held in Your hands.”
It can feel so impossible to think of anything to praise God for when we are walking through fire or sitting in the depths of despair. In fact, you may not feel His mercy at all in this moment. However, Lamentations 3:22-23 says, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” This reveals to us the truth that the Lord never runs out of mercies for us. His love and compassion for us is unfailing, even when we cannot see it.
So, take a moment now and praise the Lord
“I love You, Lord.”
Now, take another breath and remember at least one circumstance where the Lord showed His mercy to you.
“For Your mercy never fails me.”
Take yet another pause to remember a moment where the Lord rescued you.
“All my days, I’ve been held in Your hands.”
If He has done it before, He has the power to do it again. His goodness is constant and unchanging, so take time today to praise all He has done for you and worship Him with “Goodness of God”.
Day 2
Scriptures: John 16:33, Isaiah 43:2
“I love Your voice, you have lead me through the fire. And in darkest night You are close like no other. I’ve known you as a Father. I’ve known You as a Friend. And I have lived in the goodness of God.”
How often do you invite God into the fire?
Trials are part of our walk as God’s children. In fact, Jesus himself tells us that in this world we will have trouble. Although it’s terrifying and disheartening when the flames surround us, we should not be surprised. Let it be a comfort to know that even Jesus dealt with persecution, temptation, pain, and the fires of life.
Yet, in the midst of the fire, we have a choice. We can either try to walk through the fire alone – only to feel burdened, exhausted, and ultimately defeated. Or we can chose to relinquish control and invite God into the fire. We can follow the sound of His voice as He leads us through step by step. Isaiah 43:2 says “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
How comforting is it to know that the flames of fire cannot burn us or consume us? Inviting the Lord into our fires means that we get the opportunity to leave fear behind, walk slowly, and rest in the knowledge that we will not be consumed.
What fire are you facing in this moment? Spend a moment to really meditate on it. Then, invite the Lord in.
Father, I am not strong enough to walk through this fire alone. Open my ears to hear your voice. Lead my steps in this moment and remind me of the truth that you will be with me in each step I take. Lord, protect me from attacks of the enemy and help me to rely on you more each day. You have overcome the world and you are bigger than any fire. In your name I pray, Amen.
Screenshot this prayer to invite God in throughout your day and thank Him for his goodness while listening to “Goodness of God”!
Day 3
Scriptures: Psalms 23:6, James 1:17
“Cause Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me. Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me. With my life laid down, I’m surrendered now. I give You everything. Cause Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me.”
Do you know the truth?
God’s goodness sometimes feels far away in our world full of sin, evil and brokenness. We often focus on the cup being half empty rather than half full, then a spirit of bitterness and resentment arises. Instead of celebration, we complain. And instead of praise, we protest. We all fall into this pattern, although we don’t always like to admit it. God begins to feel far away as His goodness becomes a distant memory.
But, do you know the truth? The truth of Psalm 23:6 that His goodness and love follow you all the days of your life? God’s goodness is not only present in your life, it’s running after you. And even more notable, perhaps, is the truth that His goodness follows us ALL the days of our lives. We serve a good God who wants to bless His children with good gifts. When we spend a moment to recognize this and truly see the way that the Lord pursues us, we can focus our eyes on the truth.
Take a moment to surrender to the Lord today alongside “Goodness of God”.
Lord, I recognize that Your goodness is running after me all the days of my life. Thank you for Your love Lord.
“Cause Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me. Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me.”
I surrender to You in this very moment. All I am is because of You and everything good I receive is a gift from You, the greatest being Your life on the cross.
“With my life laid down, I’m surrendered now. I give You everything.”
Thank you, God that Your love pursues always. I love You and I pray that today You help focus my eyes on Your goodness.
“Cause Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me.”
AMEN