Daily Devotionals

July 15, 2020

Our Peachtree Church email devotionals this week, July 13–17, will all be written by Peachtree’s Belong Ministry Staff.


 

You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees.

 

Psalm 119:68

For many years, I have told people that Psalm 119:68 is my favorite passage of scripture. The first reason is that though this verse is really short, it’s also profound. When you spend years as a youth pastor hoping to help students memorize scripture, short is good. Theologically profound and short is even better.

 

The second and more important reason that I claim this verse as my favorite passage of scripture is simple: It contains both “easy” and “hard” truth. When everything is going well, it is easy to believe in and proclaim the goodness of God. I have great health — God is good! My children obey what I say — God is good! I have a job that makes me happy — God is good! I’m in love — God is good!

 

But what about when this truth is hard? I’m sick. My family is falling apart. I lost my job. I’m so lonely. Is God still good? And then, when the stakes are even higher, the same question still applies. We are in the midst of a global pandemic. Is God still good? We are watching cities burn because of decades — truly centuries — of racial inequality and injustice. Is God still good?

 

Wherever you find yourself as you read this scripture, it is my hope and prayer that God’s goodness will be revealed in your life. Praise God when that blessing is clear and allow it to strengthen your spiritual stamina. Remember that God weeps when you weep (John 11). Cling to His promise that He will never leave you or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:8).

For Reflection


Think of a time when God’s abundant blessing was evident in your life.
Praise God for that blessing.


Think of a challenging situation or season in your life.
Ask God to help you see His goodness in that situation.


What is one step we all can take to become more aware of God’s goodness in our lives?

Prayer


Abba, we thank You for being a good father. You are a God who loves us, cares for us, fights for us, and never leaves our side. Help us to remember Your goodness, even when circumstances challenge our faith. May we cling to Your word and become more like You as we acknowledge Your goodness throughout our time on Earth. You are good, Lord. What You do is good. Teach us Your decrees. Amen.

Anne Henry
Director of Become Ministry
404-842-2174