His Goodness
“If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor. And remember that this nation is your very own people.” The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.” Then Moses said, “If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place. How will anyone know that you look favorably on me—on me and on your people—if you don’t go with us? For your presence among us sets your people and me apart from all other people on the earth.” The Lord replied to Moses, “I will indeed do what you have asked, for I look favorably on you, and I know you by name.” Moses responded, “Then show me your glorious presence.” The Lord replied, “I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will call out my name, Yahweh, before you. For I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose.” Exodus 33
Moses asked to see Yahweh's glory, and Yahweh responded by showing His goodness. Often, we seek dramatic spiritual encounters, but His presence is most powerfully revealed in His goodness towards us. A lot of people who are looking for big encounter moments leave those encounters unchanged. We see in the scripture thousands of people who encountered Jesus, yet nothing changed in their lives. It is living moment by moment aware of Him and His goodness that changes us, transforms our families.
What does His goodness look like? It is all around us. We can see and feel Him in every moment with every step, but we have to be looking for Him. His goodness is His spoken word to us. If you are not hearing Him speak to you ask for ears to hear. The Holy Spirit is always speaking but we must be leaned in and listening. His goodness is in His written words. The scriptures are full of the promises of Yahweh. We must feast on His promises and keep them before us. A couple of my favorite promises I pray over my family are Deuteronomy 31:8, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you, he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged.” and Isaiah 26:3, “Perfect, absolute peace surrounds those whose imaginations are consumed with you; They confidently trust in you.”
His goodness is answered prayers, blessings, and provisions. Yahweh’s goodness represents everything He is, everything He has and everything He desires for us to enjoy.
The word goodness in Hebrew means, “good in the widest sense.” So, we can say his goodness is extreme.
Let’s take some time to reflect on moments in your life where you've experienced the goodness of Yahweh. How has He been faithful, even in difficult times?
Today, practice being aware of His presence in the ordinary moments of your day. Look for His goodness in nature, in kind gestures from others, in moments of peace or joy, even in difficult moments. Remember, there are no "non-sacred" moments because Emmanuel - God with us - is always present.
