How Reflecting on God’s Goodness with a Thankful Heart is Essential

Sep 8

Sep 8 How Reflecting on God’s Goodness with a Thankful Heart is Essential

Devos and Studies, Psalms Devos_Studies, God's Word, Personal Faith, Trust

Confession and Reflection

It’s said that confession is good for the soul. It can be. Confession is good for the soul when it releases us from guilt and frees our conscience. It may be a confession to a priest or pastor or counselor. Someone who is trustworthy.

Reflection is also good for the soul, especially when we reflect on God’s goodness.

Reflection on God’s goodness is a common theme throughout the psalms. It’s expressed during difficulty and in times of blessing. And yet, David confesses to God, not another person. He based his confession on his confident trust in God.

But how much time do we give to reflection nowadays?

Are we too busy to take time for reflection? It takes time. It also requires us to extract ourselves from the usual demands of our time. This includes disconnecting from mobile phones and social media.

If we can’t extract ourselves from our connections to the world outside, it reveals our insecurity. When we prioritize our online connections above connecting with God, our priorities are upside down,

Consider David’s confession of faith and reflection in Psalm 16.

Scripture

A miktam (Unknown musical term) by David.

Protect me, O God, because I take refuge in you. I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord. Without you, I have nothing good.” Those who lead holy lives on earth are the noble ones who fill me with joy.

Those who quickly chase after other gods multiply their sorrows. I will not pour out their sacrificial offerings of blood or use my lips to speak their names. [vss 1-4]

The Lord is my inheritance and my cup. You are the one who determines my destiny. Your boundary lines mark out pleasant places for me. Indeed, my inheritance is something beautiful.

I will praise the Lord, who advises me. My conscience warns me at night. I always keep the Lord in front of me. When he is by my side, I cannot be moved. [vss 5-8]That is why my heart is glad and my soul rejoices.

My body rests securely because you do not abandon my soul to the grave or allow your holy one to decay. You make the path of life known to me. Complete joy is in your presence. Pleasures are by your side forever. [vss 9-11]

(Psalm 16:1-11 GW) [Context– Psalm 16]

Reflections and Insights

Stillness in our hearts and minds is a benefit of reflecting on God’s goodness. The best thing is—it’s free! It doesn’t cost a thing nor requires great skill on our part.

But it requires a willingness to redirect our thoughts and empty ourselves of worry and doubt. It’s hard to do this with sheer willpower, but reflecting on God’s goodness is a great place to start. This leads us to be thankful, which promotes an eternal perspective.

King David expresses his confidence in God with an eternal perspective. He knew his relationship with God existed beyond this life. He believed in a resurrection from the dead. We know this from the apostle Peter’s message on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:25-28 GW).

It is also prophetic of the resurrection of Jesus the Messiah. Peter explained this in his message to those gathered in Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost (Acts 2:29-32 GW).

Some people find watching a sunrise or sunset a way to focus on God’s goodness. Others find prayer and meditation on God’s Word is the key. I can reflect on God’s goodness in a room full of family and friends, or in a worship service, as well.

Two things are essential—reflecting on God’s goodness and a thankful heart.

Then you can proclaim with David—

You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.

Digging deeper to Make it personal...

Review the Scriptures above as you consider the following questions

What is the opening request and confession? How does it lead into the rest of the psalm?
How does King David reflect on God's goodness?
How is this contrasted with those seeking other gods?
What are specific things David is thankful for? What does this prompt him to declare?
What are the realizations he expresses in the last few verses?
How does this complete David’s thoughts at the beginning of the psalm?
Have you experienced the benefit of reflecting on God's goodness?
Why is it so hard to disengage ourselves from the many things demanding our time?
How do you find time to disengage from the world around you and reflect on God's goodness?
What do you find most helpful in focusing on God's goodness and being thankful?