Goodness of God

I was brought up in a church where we sung traditional hymns. Our Sunday morning ‘Breaking of Bread’ services were unaccompanied – Dad led the singing. Since then there have always been ‘new songs’ with ‘new music’. Some have become popular and then quickly forgotten – in many cases that’s probably a good thing. Others have lasted…

One particular song that I’ve appreciated in recent years is ‘Goodness of God’. Apparently Jenn Johnson wrote it, inspired by the process of adopting her fourth child… I hope it hangs around for a while:

I love You, Lord.
Oh, Your mercy never fails me.
All my days
I’ve been held in Your hands.
From the moment that I wake up,
Until I lay my head,
I will sing of the goodness of God.

All my life You have been faithful.
All my life You have been so, so good.
With every breath that I am able
I will sing of the goodness of God.

It’s a song about looking back over life, recognising that a faithful and good God has been with me each step of the way, leading, guiding, providing. I remember so many good times in my life – with family and friends, in work and retirement… This ever-present God, who always wants the best for me, has always been there – and I’m so, so grateful.

I love Your voice.
You have led me through the fire.
In darkest night
You are close like no other.
I’ve known You as a father,
I’ve known You as a friend.
I have lived in the goodness of God.

This good God has been with me through dark times, the worst periods of my life. He’s not just been vaguely there, a distant benevolent figure somewhere in the background. He’s been close, in a very personal relationship, like the best father or mother, brother or sister, friend or co-worker… even though – perhaps especially when – I’ve not realised it.

Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me.
Your goodness is running after,
It’s running after me.
With my life laid down
I’m surrendered now,
I give You everything.
Your goodness is running after,
It’s running after me.

Looking back is good. It reminds me of God’s ever-present goodness in the past. But today, and in the future? God’s goodness is with me, surrounding me, pursuing me. I’ve come a long way since Dad leading the singing in the ‘Breaking of Bread’, but God remains constant and consistent, faithful and good. At church this morning I shall thank Him.