I often ask someone I meet, “How are you doing?” One of my good friends always replies with, “Better than I deserve.” I think about that statement every time he says that to me, and I agree with him. I recall all the blessings that God has given me in the past, but also in the present. I have been blessed in so many ways that I have not deserved, and I’m sure you can say the same thing. I find that it is often easy to find things to complain about, but as Christians, we ought to be recalling the things that God has done, and rejoicing.
It seemed that the children of Israel had the same issue we have today. They were reminded often to look back at all that God had done for them throughout their history. I think we need to do the same in our lives today. I want to encourage you to look back on this past week and take some time to thank God for all He has done for you. Today I read, “Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? The goodness of God continueth continually” (Psalm 52:1). Yes, it is true … we will always face challenging times in our lives, but the goodness of God continues continually!
When I have arrived at the most difficult times in my life, I have found the goodness of God! What a blessing to realize that even though it may seem that the entire world is against me, I still have God on my side! There may be a good bit of mischief in the world today (it seems there is more every day), but the goodness of God is too powerful for it all. God’s goodness conquers the mischief of man!
I am comforted with this truth, because there are times that I am in the flesh, and I produce some mischief. I am thankful that God’s goodness is more powerful than my mischief! When I consider this, I can say along with my friend; I am better than I deserve! I want to live today in such a way that God can bless me in what I am doing. I know He will be good to me; I want to do my best for Him as well. The thing that will stop this from happening is in the beginning of the verse: boasting. Although I am tempted to get all the praise I can in life, I realize that this boasting is nothing more than mischief in the eyes of God. Today I want to avoid boasting about what I have done and focus on the goodness that God shows me and has shown me. I know I receive blessings that I do not deserve, but I want God to continue to bless me. I want to live apart from mischief, so God can demonstrate His goodness in my life. I have been blessed beyond what I deserve, and I am thankful for His goodness!