I just returned back from vacation. How was it, you ask? It was good!
Or let’s try another conversation: Hey, how are you doing? I’m good.
What exactly does it mean that you’re doing good? Or that vacation was good? Or that my kids get good grades? What about someone being a good person? We assume a lot in that word ‘good.’
Thankfully, God defines good for us, because He is good. Psalm 119, verses 64 to 72, further clarifies what is the good life. It may not be what you expect.
First, goodness comes from God. Which makes sense, since He is good. Everything good in your life can only come from one source; the God who is good. So verse 64 acknowledges that God has dealt well or good with me; verse 65 asks God to teach good discernment and knowledge. So far, so good!
Except, life isn’t always good. And verse 67 speaks about affliction. Pain does not feel good. But for the believer in Jesus Christ, all things work for good. So for the Psalmist, the pain of affliction let to the good of being obedient. And thus we have verse 68: you are good and do good. Teach me Your statutes. That verse defines the good life. Let me read it again: You are good and do good. Teach me Your statutes.
We see this truth demonstrated in v. 69 and 70. The arrogant think they have it good; in fact, their heart is covered with fat, which means they are living the good life. They have plenty of the best stuff to eat. But they’re missing something. The Psalmist has goodness in obeying God’s Word, in delighting in God’s Law.
What about wealth? Wouldn’t it be good to have a lot of money? Of course, but not at the expense of losing God and His Word. Verse 72 says that law of God’s mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
What makes your life good? Money? Food? Pleasant circumstances? Or is it God and His Word?