What does Psalm 31:19 reveal about God's goodness to believers? The verse in focus “How great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who take refuge in You, before the sons of men!” (Psalm 31:19) Why the wording matters • “How great” – goodness so vast it provokes wonder. • “Laid up” – goodness stored like a treasure chest, reserved, untouched by decay (cf. Matthew 6:20). • “Those who fear You” – believers who reverence the Lord, showing faith-filled obedience (Proverbs 1:7). • “Prepared” – goodness planned in advance; God is never caught off guard (Ephesians 2:10). • “Take refuge in You” – believers running to God as a safe haven (Nahum 1:7). • “Before the sons of men” – God’s goodness displayed openly, not hidden, so His people become walking testimonies (Psalm 23:5-6). Layers of God’s goodness revealed 1. Abundant and inexhaustible – Psalm 23:6 “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” – James 1:17 “Every good gift… is from above.” 2. Personally reserved for His own – Romans 8:28 God works “all things together for good to those who love Him.” – Psalm 84:11 “No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” 3. Purposefully prepared in advance – 1 Corinthians 2:9 “No eye has seen… the things God has prepared for those who love Him.” 4. Publicly displayed as witness – Psalm 34:8 “Taste and see that the LORD is good”; others watch us “taste.” 5. Protective refuge – Proverbs 18:10 “The name of the LORD is a strong tower”; goodness includes shelter. Practical fruit for daily life • Confidence: God’s goodness is not a wish but a stored reality waiting to be drawn on. • Security: Because it is “laid up,” it cannot be stolen by circumstances or enemies. • Witness: Expect His goodness to shine in ordinary settings “before the sons of men,” prompting conversation about His faithfulness. • Gratitude: Recognizing stored goodness fuels present thankfulness, even in trials (1 Thessalonians 5:18). • Pursuit of holiness: Fearing the Lord and taking refuge in Him keeps us positioned under the flow of His prepared blessings. Heart takeaways God’s goodness toward believers is massive, intentional, and on display. It is a secured inheritance and a present shelter, inviting us to trust, rest, and celebrate Him openly in a watching world. |
    |