God’s Good Nature

“God is good to everyone and has compassion for all creation.”

Psalm 145:9

Notes for Contemplation as You Use this Devotional:

• This psalm, sometimes titled, “The Greatness and the Goodness of God,” reminds us that God is the benevolent, beloved creator of all things.  It invites us to remember that God is neither a capricious puppeteer, pulling our strings, nor a manipulative dictator, determining our fortunes.
• Instead, we’re encouraged to know that God is infinitely compassionate and unconditionally loving, always offering us abounding grace, the moment we are willing to receive it.
• Some other scriptures which highlight God’s benevolence include:
  • “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” – Psalm 23:1
  • “God arms me with strength and makes my way clear.” – Psalm 18:32
  • “How abundant is God’s goodness.” – Psalm 31:19
  • “Oh, taste and see how good God is!” – Psalm 34:8
  • “The Lord is my strength and my song.” – Psalm 118:14
  • “I will send my goodness before you.” – Exodus 53:19
  • “God is my rock in which I find refuge.” – 2Samuel 22:3
  • “Give thanks to God for God is good.” – 1Chronicles 16:34
  • “God is love.” – 1John 4:14
  • “Everything God created is good.” – 1Timothy 4:4
• To Jesus, God was his divine parent, always bestowing grace, goodwill, and generosity on everyone.  Jesus continually taught this to his followers.  Some examples include:
  • “God alone is good.” – Mark 10:18 and Matthew 19:11  
  • “God is pleased to give you the kingdom.” – Luke 12:32
  • “Ask, seek, and receive.” – Matthew 7:9-11 and Luke 11:9-13
  • “Parable of the Prodigal Child” – Luke 15:11-32
• Rather than trying to determine who God is, as if God is a superhero, we do better to consider what God is.  We may better understand this by contemplating God as Presence, animating (giving life to) all things.  God also may be described as Principle, the foundation of all life, or as Source, the substance and sustenance of all life.
• Accepting that we may never fully comprehend the nature of God frees us to experience and feel God more fully in our lives.
• In her book, Open Your Mind and Be Healed, Rev. Dr. Johnnie Colemon, teaches: “God is Life. . . .  The Life Principle resides in our soul, ready, willing, and able to respond to our command.  But it cannot force itself upon us: we must activate its potential.”  In addition, she says: “As a spiritual being, you may be sure: whatever is true of God is true of you.  The nature of God is Absolute Good.  Therefore, the nature of you is Absolute Good.”

Contemplation Questions:

Ask yourself:

• When I reflect on my life now, what is my understanding of God up to this point?
  • List, word map, or illustrate your understanding of God.  Use any words, descriptions, or designs which help you articulate this for yourself; no theological study or reference materials needed.

• When I reflect on my life now, how do I feel when I embrace the belief that God is Absolute Good?
  • List, word map, or illustrate all your feelings.

• When I reflect on my life now, how do I feel when I embrace the belief that I am Absolute Good?
  • List, word map, or illustrate all your feelings.

• Using one of the scriptures here, or choosing one of my own, how can I remain inspired to feel God’s goodness in my life?
  • List, word map, or illustrate whatever inspires you.
  • As a creative exercise, write or design something you can display in a sacred place so the inspiration remains alive. 

• What are at least four (4) ways that I am witnessing God’s goodness in my life now?
  • List, word map, or illustrate as many as you can, beginning with one (1) each for the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual aspects of your life.

• What are at least four (4) ways that I am ready to experience a richer experience of God’s goodness?
  • List, word map, or illustrate as many ways as you can, again finding at least one (1) each for the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual aspects of your life.

As you work with this devotional, stay open to redefining your relationship with God, as needed, so you feel God as loving, generous, and compassionate.  Also, remember that God may be revealed to us through other people, such as someone sharing from their abundance, or as an “Angel of the Lord,” our still, small voice. 

© 2021 – Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks – All rights reserved.