At the time of this writing, there are five major television shows with the word “good” in the title. In case you were wondering: The Good Wife, The Good Fight, The Good Place, The Good Witch, and The Good Doctor. If King David were to produce a televised show today, he might name it: The Good God.
In today’s Scripture reading, David bookends his psalm with the phrase, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” (vv. 1, 29).Similar to what we learned yesterday from the apostle Paul, David begins and ends his thoughts with thanksgiving in his heart and on his lips. Throughout his psalm, David repeats several times why he believes the Lord is good. Since this psalm was most likely sung to a musical accompaniment, imagine these lines as a refrain. You may have noticed them: “His love endures forever” (vv. 1–4; 29), “take refuge in the Lord” (vv. 8–9), “in the name of the Lord I cut them down” (vv. 10–12), and “the Lord’s right hand” (vv. 15–16). The past tense used throughout this psalm may indicate that David penned this poetic song after he had gained full possession of the kingdom.
Peppered throughout the psalm, these reoccurring phrases highlight David’s attitude of thanks for Yahweh’s goodness and the deliverance that the Lord granted him. David makes it clear that anyone who sings this psalm will give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, both individually and corporately. David also emphasizes the goodness of God who brought salvation by shining His light upon us (v. 27). Living on this side of the cross and empty tomb, we know the light is none other than Jesus Christ. David was right: give thanks to the Lord for He is the Good God.
Pray with Us
As Spiritual Enrichment Week—a focused exploration of biblical truths for Moody’s undergraduate and seminary students—continues today, join us in prayer for a fruitful time and a deeper walk with Jesus for every participant.
BY Dr. Chris Rappazini
Dr. Chris Rappazini is Associate Professor of Pastoral Studies at Moody Bible Institute. He is the former President of the Evangelical Homiletics Society and previously served as an Associate Minister of Preaching and Teaching in Spokane, Washington. Chris and his wife, Ashley, and their children reside in Northwest Indiana.