The goodness of the Lord

There’s so much of the ‘business’ of school going on that there’s plenty to talk about. Whether it’s building projects or fundraising or enrollment or financial aid or so many other things, I could use every communication with you to keep you up on the important business that helps school happen and happen well. It matters, and I will keep you in touch, but I would fail my leadership responsibility and opportunity if that’s all I chose to talk with you about.
 
A worship chorus recently caught my attention in a way it hasn’t before. It brought me back to the words of Psalm 27 with fresh fervor. Especially in busy times and times of challenge, as well as times of opportunity and excitement, the words of the psalm speak peace and security and comfort into our chaotic and sometimes worrisome lives.
 
Psalm 27: 1-2, 13 in the New International Version reads this way: “ The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?…I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”
 
I remain confident I will see the goodness of the Lord. That’s not just once in my life, nor once in a while. That’s confidence in a continuing reality. I have seen, I am seeing, and I will see the goodness of the Lord.
 
There’s not one of us who can’t proclaim God’s goodness in so many aspects of our lives. Yet, there are times where I’m pressed on all sides by circumstances, and I wonder if I’ll ever see God’s goodness again. Has He forgotten me? Is He angry with me? Is He finished with me? Is He working in my life, but it feels anything but good? Do you ever feel that way?
 
Are you seeing trouble in your kids’ lives? Is there illness or injury for you or your loved ones? Are you bearing financial stress like you’ve never seen before? Do you feel on the brink of failing in your work, or in your relationships? Is the fear and anxiety growing a knot in your gut that just won’t go away? Is the weight so much that you can’t imagine taking even the next step?
 
We all have versions of those kinds of feelings. Sometimes they pass with the morning; sometimes they seem like they will never pass.
 
I can’t say it from a piece of paper and make much difference in your life, but it is nonetheless true: Remain confident that you will see the goodness of the Lord! And seek someone out who can speak that truth personally into your life.
 
Speak up to someone about the challenges you feel. Choose someone or a group of folks who you know experience the goodness of the Lord. That doesn’t mean they are the richest or best looking or most successful. It means that you see God’s peace and confidence in their lives.
 
Hear it from God’s Word – Psalm 27, Psalm 42, Psalm 46, 1 Peter 5:6-7, Jude 24-25. Talk to a pastor or a friend. Share it with a spouse. Live in the truth that you will see the goodness of the Lord.