How can you cultivate a heart that expects to see God's goodness? Setting the Anchor of Expectation Psalm 27:13: “Still I am certain to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.” David’s certainty is not wishful thinking—it rests on who God is and what God has said. The same firm foundation is offered to every believer. Know the God Who Is Always Good • Exodus 34:6—God’s own self-description: “abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness.” • James 1:17—“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” • Psalm 100:5—“For the LORD is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” Knowing His character fuels confident expectation; the more clearly you see His goodness in Scripture, the more naturally your heart anticipates it in life. Remember His Proven Track Record • List past moments when the Lord intervened, provided, or protected. • Psalm 77:11—“I will remember the works of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old.” • Deuteronomy 8:2—Israel was commanded to recall God’s faithfulness in the wilderness. Rehearsing history—both biblical history and your own—trains your soul to expect consistency from an unchanging God. Stay in Daily Communion • Psalm 34:8—“Taste and see that the LORD is good.” Daily “tasting” happens through: – Unhurried reading and meditation on Scripture. – Heartfelt worship—privately and with the church. – Ongoing conversation with the Lord throughout ordinary moments. Intimacy keeps God’s goodness fresh and present, not abstract or theoretical. Speak Truth to Your Soul • Lamentations 3:21-23—Jeremiah chooses to recall God’s mercies in the middle of devastation. • Philippians 4:8—“Whatever is true…think about such things.” Practical handles: – Memorize promises that spotlight God’s goodness (e.g., Romans 8:28; Psalm 84:11). – Turn them into first-person statements: “I will see the Lord’s goodness today because He has promised it.” What your mind dwells on, your heart begins to expect. Align Your Desires with God’s Word • Psalm 37:4—“Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” – Delighting in Him reshapes what you desire, so you recognize His goodness even in unexpected packaging. – Confess any expectations rooted in self-will rather than Scripture; replace them with Scripture-saturated desires. Serve Others in Faith • Proverbs 11:25—“He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” • Acts 20:35—“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Stepping into sacrificial love positions you to witness God’s goodness flowing through you and back to you. Wait Confidently, Not Passively • Psalm 27:14—“Wait for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait for the LORD!” • Isaiah 40:31—Those who wait on the LORD renew their strength. Biblical waiting is active: holding to promises, obeying in the present, looking expectantly for God’s timely goodness. Live with Thanksgiving as the Default • Psalm 103:2—“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18—Rejoice, pray, give thanks in all circumstances. Gratitude is the language of expectation; it acknowledges previous goodness and anticipates more. Put It All Together 1. Fix your eyes on the God Scripture reveals—unchangingly good. 2. Recall His past faithfulness—biblical and personal. 3. Stay close through Word, worship, and prayer. 4. Preach truth to yourself; refuse thoughts that contradict His goodness. 5. Let His Word shape your desires. 6. Serve, giving away what you’ve received. 7. Wait with courage and gratitude. Follow this rhythm, and like David, you will be “certain to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.” |
    |