Remembering God’s Goodness

Practical tips to help you remember God’s goodness, notice his provision and celebrate the blessings he’s bestowed on you

Years ago, in a season of sadness, I was reading Psalm 42. It’s a great psalm to turn to in seasons of sorrow or depression, as the psalmist asks again and again, “Oh soul, why are you downcast.” 

But in the midst of that season, I read Psalm 42:6: “I am deeply depressed; therefore I remember you from the land of Jordan and the peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.” 

In other words, in the darkest moments of my life, I will remember who you are, God, recall what you have done and recite how you have proven yourself faithful, trustworthy and true. On my darkest days, I will remember your goodness. 

Right now may be a season that feels dark and unclear, but that also means it’s time to lift your head, look to God and remember. Here are a few powerful ways we think you can dwell on his goodness, no matter what season you’re living in. 

Recall answered prayers. 

Maybe, like me, you’re someone who processes through words and writing. Take some time to look back through your journal and note ways that God has answered your prayers, whether big or small. If journaling isn’t your thing, carve out time to really focus on how you have seen, felt or experienced God’s presence, protection and provision in your life lately. Recalling and remembering how God has worked in your life in the past can be a powerful reminder that he can and will do so again. 

Talk to your family and closest friends. 

I write a lot about lifting our eyes to see what God is doing in our lives rather than staying focused on the circumstances in front of us. I’m not talking about avoiding or ignoring the tough things in life, but rather focusing on God and his character and recognizing that he is more powerful and more important than those things. But the truth is, sometimes we need someone else to come alongside us and help us see how God has been at work in our lives, the lives of our friends and family, in our church and throughout our community and world. When you doubt that God is working in your life, take some time to talk with the people who know you best and ask them to help you see what God is doing in and around you. 

Memorize God’s Word. 

Scripture is full of promises about God’s character and goodness. In those seasons when you need to remember his goodness, call forth the words of Scripture: 

• The Lord is good to everyone; his compassion rests on all he has made. Psalm 145:9 

• Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

• I am certain that I will see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living. Psalm 27:13

• He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the Lord’s unfailing love. Psalm 33:5

• Taste and see that the Lord is good. How happy is the person who takes refuge in him! Psalm 34:8

• The Lord is good, a stronghold in a day of distress; he cares for those who take refuge in him. Nahum 1:7

The list could go on and on, but by meditating on and hiding God’s Word in our hearts, we can preach truth to ourselves in seasons when we may doubt God’s goodness or it feels far away. 

Serve. 

Maybe it’s as simple as taking cookies to a neighbor, holding a baby for an exhausted mom so she can have a second or actually listening to a friend who needs to talk. Serving can also be more long-term, like volunteering in your church’s nursery on a regular basis or committing to work with a particular ministry, outreach or nonprofit. Acts of service, whatever they are, have a way of helping take our eyes off our circumstances and allowing us to see ways that God is at work all around us. 

Do something you love. 

Maybe it’s baking, hiking or dancing. It could be going to your favorite coffee shop or seeing your favorite band or artist in concert. It could be painting, writing, crocheting or making something with your own hands. Whatever it is in your life that leaves you feeling re-energized and fulfilled, make time to do it. Even if it means letting something else go, take the time to do the thing that rejuvenates you — and let it be a reminder of the goodness of God who sustains you, provides for you, protects you and pours out blessing upon blessing in your life.