What is Right and Good

Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so that it may go well with you… – (Deuteronomy 6:18a, NIV)

You must do what is right and good – what pleases the Lord. Then everything will go well for you… – (Deuteronomy 6:18a, ERV)

Do the things He considers right and good. Then everything will go well for you… – (Deuteronomy 6:18a, VOICE)

We are called to do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord. The only way that we come to know and understand what that is, is through a relationship with Christ. As a child, the more we spent time with and listened to our parents, the more in tune we became with what was good and right in their eyes. It is the same with Jesus. Spending time in the word, worship, and in prayer, teaches us what is right and good to God. If our words and actions align with loving God and loving people we are following after God’s own heart. What goes well for us is the hope we gain in knowing and following after the Lord. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in what is good and right and rely on Him to strengthen us to follow His ways throughout all of our days.

To do what is right,

And that which is good;

What pleases the Lord,

Is love understood.

For we are all called,

To choose love the Lord;

The work of His hands,

All that He adores.

Rise up and seek Him,

He’ll show us the way;

To love as He loves,

And do good each day.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and grace that cleanses us from our past mistakes and leads us forward in the comfort of knowing that we are forgiven and loved and equipped to do likewise. Forgive us for the times that we have not chosen to do what is right and good, despite knowing what that is. Lead us in Your loving kindness toward all as You intended. Show us how to love those around us with purpose. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us in what is right and good so that we may ever bring glory to Your Name.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him. – Psalm 34:8

The Goodness of God

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him. – (Psalm 34:8, NIV)

Give the Lord a chance to show you how good He is. Great blessings belong to those who depend on Him! – (Psalm 34:8, ERV)

Taste of His goodness; see how wonderful the Eternal truly is. Anyone who puts trust in Him will be blessed and comforted. – (Psalm 34:8, VOICE)

I am constantly in awe of the goodness of God. His goodness is not dependent on our circumstances, rather He is good, despite our circumstances and in the midst of them. God knows what we will face, long before challenges come our way, and He prepares blessings to strengthen and uphold us as we continue moving forward with Him. Yesterday, as my Viking and I celebrated our third wedding anniversary, I cannot help but be reminded of God’s goodness. I was at a place in my life where I was completely content being single, and had no aspirations of joining the dating scene. God had different plans for me, and in His kindness and gentleness, orchestrated a love story that resulted in a marriage that supplied the support, love and encouragement that my heart did not even know it needed. Together, we have navigated trials and triumphs, heartaches and great joy, and hand-in-hand are ever moving forward in all that God has called us to do. It is not always easy, but it is always easy to see the blessings and goodness of God. May we depend on the Lord and His glorious goodness, for He upholds us and brings blessings through His overwhelming love.

In sickness and health,

Through trials and joy;

God’s goodness is found,

As His love’s employed.

He knows what we need,

Far better than us;

I’m certain that’s why,

He sent us Jesus.

For in Him we learn,

Blessings, love and grace;

We can taste and see,

God’s wonderful ways.

So, turn to the Lord,

Seek to taste and see;

Just how good He is,

He loves perfectly.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You see and know what we need, long before we have even an inkling of an idea. Thank You that You bless us with Your goodness and love that carries us through trials and triumphs. Thank You for the gift of those whom You have placed in our lives to love us well. Forgive us for fears and doubts, for You already know how You will carry us through every season. Teach us to trust You and give thanks for the countless ways that You show us Your goodness and love. Show us how to love those around us in ways that make it easy for others to taste and see how good You truly are. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the tangible goodness that You place in our lives to remind us of who You are and how You love. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all Your deeds. – Psalm 73:28

Perfect Does Not Mean Easy

As for God, His way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him. – (Psalm 18:30, NIV) 

God’s way is perfect. The Lord’s promise always proves true. He protects those who trust in Him. – (Psalm 18:30, ERV) 

Everything God does is perfect; the promise of the Eternal rings true; He stands as a shield for all who hide in Him. – (Psalm 18:30, VOICE) 

God’s perfection does not equate to easy or smooth. His ways are not our ways, nor His thoughts, our thoughts. Perfect, is seeing things to completion; making flawless or faultless. Often the road to completion requires navigating rough terrain, as God‘s perfect plan requires strengthening, perseverance, or some other sort of growth to teach us and prepare us for other obstacles we will have to overcome. His promises are true, as He will never leave us nor forsake us. Always, no matter how things appear, God is present to help guide us in the way we are meant to go. The more we trust Him, the greater our awareness becomes of His protection and provision. May we choose to trust in the Lord in all things, for He is faithful to His word, and He protects and provides perfectly as we walk in the way that He leads. 

The only perfect, 

Is God’s faithful plan; 

His road that leads us, 

To hear, understand. 

All that He’s promised, 

He’s faithful to do; 

As He stays present, 

And carries us through. 

Our refuge and strength, 

To whom we can run; 

Faithful forever, 

The Most Holy One. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your ways are perfect and Your promises are true. Thank You that we can run to You to be our shelter and safe space. Thank You that Your perfection makes up for where we are lacking. Forgive us for the times that we have doubted You or avoided running to You. Teach us that we can trust You in all things and at all times. Show us how to love those around us with relentless faith, allowing those around us to see You in us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust the perfection of Your promises, and seek You in all things. Amen. 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

As for God, His way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him. – 2 Samuel 22:31