Many are asking, “Who can show us any good (tov)?” Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD. You have filled my heart with greater joy…
Psalm 4:6-7a NIV
Have you experienced devastation in your lifetime? I can’t personally say that I have, in comparison to those who have unexpectedly and tragically lost loved ones. I realize that there are so many varied experiences you or others have or are going through. Images from the devastation from the recent hurricanes in Florida and southeastern states, the wars in the Middle East, monsoon damages and loss of lives in Nepal … the hardships are real!
When I was alongside a mother holding her deceased infant newborn in the hospital room, while dad was silent and broken, how could I say, “God is always good?” There’s a time and place to speak joyfully with faith-filled words—that God is always good. But even while mourning with that mother and father, I knew in my soul that God’s goodness is unchangeable, unshakable.
When the Psalmist writes, “Who can show us any good?”, I believe through the ups and downs, victories and devastations, David’s inner soul knew well that God is always good. There’s a greater joy, greater purpose, greater good as we lean on and trust God, while mourning with those who mourn, serving and helping those in need.
Lord, help the circumstances we are all facing not dictate or define our trust and faith in You! Thank you for understanding that we sometimes waver in discouragement, anxiousness, or fear. But we hold onto the fact that You are tov … all the time, and all the time, You are tov!
