Psalm 31:19 Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind!
The other morning I experienced a rare treat. I got to walk my grandson to school. That may seem like a small thing to many of you, but when your grandkids live seven (or twelve) hours away, it’s far from an everyday occurrence.
We had traveled to Rhode Island for a weekend visit. And when it was time for Mason to grab his school backpack, I jumped at the chance to accompany him. So there we were. The two of us on a beautiful fall morning in New England swishing our way through red, orange and yellow leafed sidewalks. We talked about how fall was our favorite season, along with other essential topics, and prayed he would have a good day. After saying goodbye, I jogged back to the house in time to walk my other grandson to the bus stop for his school. Tobin and I laughed about the evening plans for a rousing game of Phase 10 and eating apple pie.
I realized the Lord had poured out on me some stored-up goodness.
Did you know God stores up goodness for his children? Because that’s what the scripture says. In Psalm 31, David describes his dire straits. Enemies are pursuing him on every side. He feels frail, forgotten and forsaken. Yet in spite of his circumstances, he professes his ongoing trust in God. He pleads with God, appealing to who he knows God to be. The God who stores up goodness for those who fear him and take refuge in him. David doesn’t make his case on the basis of his own goodness or worthiness, but on God’s. His refocus moved him from despair to a note of hope. He concludes, “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord” (v. 24).
I think it’s vital we not only recognize, but look for the stored-up goodnesses of God. Whether poured out on us in the form of assurances during hard times, or dropped in our lap on a beautiful fall day in New England.
Friend, please open yourself to the goodness God has stored up for you. You might be surprised!