The Good Ones

“God is present in the company of the righteous. You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the Lord is their refuge” (verses 5-6). Insert sigh of relief here, because, boy, those are heartening words to hear. But wait - are they? What if I’m not one of the good people, but instead lumped into the evil and corrupt group that is so scornfully referred to in this passage?

Well, the truth is, we’re all in that group. As the passage states, “all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.” Hold on, though. This is why it is always so important to read to the end. At the time when this psalm was written, the longed-for someone had not yet come to save Israel, but today we know him by name, and that name is Jesus.

Goodness isn’t measured by actions, thoughts, or words - though those are all very important in their own right - and even if it were, we would, all of us, still fall short of the standard. What makes a person “good” in the eyes of God has everything to do with their relationship with the Saviour, Jesus Christ. Anyone who says, “I’m with him,” is under his protection and on his side.

This is absolutely a reason to be glad and celebrate - David himself even took to dancing - but we shouldn’t stop there. Knowing that we are not made good by our own actions but by the grace of God, we cannot stand idly or smugly by and allow other people to lose out on this incredible reality. It is our job to bring others to Jesus - introduce them to the truest Good, so that, in turn, they, too, can be, in thought, action, word, and truth: good.

Respond in Prayer

Good and loving Father, thank you for sending your son, Jesus, not only as a symbol of your standard, but - most importantly - as a Saviour for sinners. For those who already know him, give us the humility, passion, and boldness to bring others as well. In Jesus’ righteous name, Amen.

Larissa Benfey

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® (NIV®).