Desiring Good that God Gives
“Do good to your servant according to your word, Lord. Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands.” Psalm 119:65-66
How do we determine what is ‘good’? What is the standard for deciding that? You see, there is ‘good’ according to the world and then there’s ‘good’ according to the Word. One is temporary, the other lastingly eternal. One is visible by the eyes; the other may only be perceptible by the heart and mind.
Knowledge according to the world is being ‘smart’, gaining learning, pursuing degrees and experience that will propel you forward to success. But Godly knowledge is knowledge of Him that is not just stored up in the mind, but in the heart. It’s knowledge that will propel someone forward in a walk with the Lord and toward an eternal reward, living side by side with Him. Godly knowledge is gained by a hunger of the spirit, seeking to know more of Christ, eagerly seeking to spend time in His word and committing it to mind and heart. It’s knowledge that puts everything else into perspective and that protects from everything that would lead to falling away from the Lord.
I remember trying to get my toddler to eat something and would repeatedly tell them, “It’s good! Just try it!” and they would turn their nose up, tightly close their lips and refuse. Until they tasted, they didn’t believe. Oh how that is such a picture of our spiritual heart! Until we taste the goodness of God, we don’t believe it will be sweet and pleasing. We balk at the suggestion that God is good. We resist the appeal. And then…oh, then, we take a taste and, “OH!”, it’s more than we imagined!
I want my family to desire the good that is from the Lord. I want them to taste and see that it is good! I want them to crave the knowledge He instills that would protect them from the enemy, give them discernment in this dark world, and would guard their heart and mind in Jesus. Let’s pray that for our sons and daughters and for us, as parents, too.
"Father, I pray that today you would do good to (name). Your word says that ‘good’ is pleasant to the senses, that which is excellent, valuable, appropriate and better. Please be gracious and bless my son/daughter in each of those ways and extend your goodness to them.”
“Help them recognize that the good they enjoy is a blessing from you. Lord, let them understand that Your good also includes gaining knowledge of you. Help them to seek it with all their heart. I ask that you would help (name) be teachable. Soften their heart, tune their ears to your words, help them discern what is right, true, and worthy and let them pursue it diligently.”
“May (name) throw him/herself on you, resting in your strength, trusting your wisdom and leading, and being confident of your protection. May the knowledge they gain today be godly and may their judgment reflect that. Guard and guide them today. May others see Your goodness in their life and long for a relationship with You as well. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Pray without ceasing.