S13P2 – God’s goodness: displayed by creation
Psalm 136:4-9
To Him who alone does great wonders, for His lovingkindness endures forever; to Him who made the heavens with skill, for His lovingkindness endures forever; to Him who stretched out the earth upon the waters, for His lovingkindness endures forever; to Him who made the great lights, for His lovingkindness endures forever; the sun to rule over the day, for His lovingkindness endures forever; the moon and stars to rule by night, for His lovingkindness endures forever
God’s goodness is eternal. It had no beginning and has no end. It is an attribute that is inseparable from him. Before creation, his goodness existed as it always had. Then something happened. When He created all that we see around us, the heavens and the earth, the seas and the land, the plants and animals, man and woman, He displayed his goodness [Rom. 1:20]. Before creation, God’s goodness existed but was not seen. After creation, it became evident, visible.
The story of how our physical universe came to be gives us a clear indication that God’s goodness is directly related to his creation of all things. After creating light [Gen. 1:3], the land and seas [Gen 1:10], vegetation [Gen 1:12], the celestial light-bearers [Gen 1:18], the creatures of the seas and the air [Gen 1:21], and the creatures of the earth [Gen 1:25], God made one observation. It is the same observation He made once the whole of creation was completed [Gen 1:31]. He saw that everything was good and validated his creation.
God’s goodness was made manifest in his creation, and all that He created was consequently found to be good. As a result of this display, no man has any excuse for not believing in God’s goodness [Rom. 1:20]. His previously invisible attributes are now discernible and tangible. One needs no further proof of God’s goodness than a snowflake, a dove or a blade of grass. Clothed in greater splendor than King Solomon, the wildflowers attest to God’s virtue [Matt. 6:28-30]. Father, thank You for creating us and all that is around us out of your goodness, and keep us mindful of that goodness whenever our senses take in your creation.