Read Psalm 119:65-74.
In the days before satellite navigation, travellers used the stars as fixed points to direct them on long journeys. The Christmas story remind us of this in the star that shone from Jacob (Num 24:17) guiding learned men to Jesus (Matt 2:1-12).
We need fixed points to navigate the journey of life. The fixed points that help us through the bumps and twists of life all relate to God’s nature, for God is unchanging (Mal 3:6).
One of the fixed points about God is His goodness: ‘You are good and what You do is good.’ (Ps 119:68) Our experiences have to be measured against this yardstick, for even when the ‘heartache hits like a hurricane/ That could never change who You are.’ (‘Even If’, Kutless) The psalmist prays with confidence because of God’s goodness: ‘Do good to Your servant according to Your word, O Lord.’ (Ps 119:65) We ask for knowledge and good judgment (Ps 119:66) wrapped in God’s goodness.
Goodness does not equate with happiness or ease of circumstances. The psalmist has enemies (Ps 119:69-70) and troubles. Some of them are caused by his own waywardness (Ps 119:67), some by life’s vicissitudes. The psalmist recognises that God can use even these things to shape and mould his life: ‘it was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn Your decrees.’ (Ps 119:71)
Scripture teaches us that God is able to work for the good of those who love Him in every single circumstance of life (Rom 8:28) and that even what others plan to ruin us will be used by Him to prosper us (Gen 50:20). God’s goodness may wear the mask of trials, but even trials can be welcomed as friends when we are directed by God’s goodness (James 1:1-3). Holding on to the goodness of God’s character is an essential lesson learned on the journey, ‘more precious… than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.’ (Ps 119:74)