Overwhelmed by God’s Goodness…

 When Israel saw Joseph’s sons, he said, “Who are these?” 9 Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons, whom God has given me here.” And he said, “Bring them to me, please, that I may bless them.” 10 Now the eyes of Israel were dim with age, so that he could not see. So Joseph brought them near him, and he kissed them and embraced them. 11 And Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see your face; and behold, God has let me see your offspring also.”—Genesis 48:8-11

Jacob’s (Israel’s) life had much grief, sorrow and trouble. But in the end as he looked into his grandsons’ faces the goodness and faithfulness of God must have overwhelmed Him. He never expected to see Joseph again but now here he was looking into the faces of Joseph’s offspring as well. I think also of Job where it tells us that God blessed his latter days more than his beginning. 

It is the same in my own life. Despite all my fears and despite all my sorrows, like Jacob, I have been and am consistently overwhelmed to the point of tears at my God’s goodness to me.  As it says in Psalm 40, He brought me up out of a horrible pit, set my feet upon a rock, established my steps and put a new song in my mouth. My God has not only redeemed my life from destruction but also my husband and my children’s lives as well. Beloved…God is so good…He is so much better to me than what I fear might happen. He is also far better to me than what I could even hope might happen.  

Here is the thing…no matter what might be waiting for me around the corner, I know this…

God is good

He died for me when I was yet His enemy to save me from an eternity in hell without Him

His will for me comes from His heart of love

I am never alone in my sorrow…He is always with me.  His right hand is under my head and His left hand embraces me. 

His comfort and consolations are mine as I walk through this life…

He desires and is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that I could ask or think. 

Today, I will walk with His hand in mine trusting, as Spurgeon has said, that His goodness will surround my steps and His mercy will cover my missteps. Today I will not fear.  Today I will give thanks. Oh Father!  Sweeten my spirit as I give You thanks. Make worshipping You my delight. May Your praises be forever on my lips.