Topical Bible: Praise for God's Goodness to Individuals

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Topical Encyclopedia

Praise for God's goodness is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the deep gratitude and reverence that individuals express for the Lord's benevolent acts in their lives. This praise is not only a response to God's direct intervention but also an acknowledgment of His enduring presence and faithfulness.

Old Testament Examples

In the Old Testament, the Psalms are replete with expressions of praise for God's goodness. David, a man after God's own heart, frequently extols the Lord for His mercies and deliverance. In Psalm 103:1-5 , David writes, "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all His kind deeds—He who forgives all your iniquities and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with loving devotion and compassion, who satisfies you with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s."

The account of Hannah in 1 Samuel 2:1-2 is another poignant example. After God answers her prayer for a child, she exclaims, "My heart rejoices in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in Your salvation. There is no one holy like the LORD. Indeed, there is no one besides You! And there is no Rock like our God."

New Testament Examples

In the New Testament, the theme of praise continues as individuals recognize God's goodness through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Mary, the mother of Jesus, offers a profound song of praise known as the Magnificat in Luke 1:46-49 : "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One has done great things for me. Holy is His name."

The Apostle Paul, despite facing numerous trials, consistently praises God for His goodness. In Philippians 4:4-7 , Paul encourages believers to rejoice in the Lord always, saying, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Theological Significance

The act of praising God for His goodness is deeply rooted in the recognition of His sovereignty and grace. It is an acknowledgment that every good and perfect gift comes from above (James 1:17). Praise is both a personal and communal expression, as seen in the gatherings of believers who lift their voices in worship, celebrating God's faithfulness and provision.

Practical Application

For believers today, praising God for His goodness is an essential aspect of spiritual life. It serves as a reminder of God's past faithfulness and a source of hope for the future. Through praise, individuals cultivate a heart of gratitude, which transforms their perspective and strengthens their faith. As the Psalmist declares in Psalm 34:1 , "I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips."

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 9:1
I will praise you, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will show forth all your marvelous works.
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Psalm 18:1
I will love you, O LORD, my strength.
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Psalm 22:1
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? why are you so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?
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Psalm 30:1
I will extol you, O LORD; for you have lifted me up, and have not made my foes to rejoice over me.
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Psalm 40:1
I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined to me, and heard my cry.
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Psalm 75:1
To you, O God, do we give thanks, to you do we give thanks: for that your name is near your wondrous works declare.
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Psalm 103:1
Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
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Psalm 108:1
O god, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.
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Psalm 116:1
I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my supplications.
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Psalm 118:1
O give thanks to the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endures for ever.
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Psalm 138:1
I will praise you with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise to you.
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Psalm 144:1
Blessed be the LORD my strength which teaches my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:
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Library

The Dispensation of the Divine Favours Reconciled with the ...
... gratitude, and tune his tongue to the most exalted praise. ... And God himself might
well demand, Is thine eye ... The same principle of wisdom and goodness, as Butler ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/chapter v the dispensation of.htm

Twenty Second Sunday after Trinity Paul's Thanks and Prayers for ...
... As recipients of such goodness, let their hearts and ... be ready with the happy declaration:
"God be praised ... As before said, praise should be the constant service ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty second sunday after trinity.htm

Of the Blessings with which the Creator Has Filled this Life ...
... beasts, and is in many ways weaker than theirs, what goodness of God, what providence ...
lust,"a condition which will specially redound to the praise of the ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 24 of the blessings with.htm

Knowledge. Worship. Gratitude.
... are full of anything rather than the goodness of the ... is done on a smaller scale by
individuals, to whom ... Let us praise God for common mercies, for they prove to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 30 1884/knowledge worship gratitude.htm

Ebenezer!
... need repentance to take the bass notes while we are here, while faith in praise
can mount ... Thy goodness all our hopes shall raise ... Our helper God, in whom we trust ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/ebenezer.htm

Earnest Expostulation
... which enriches them, they praise not the ... There are quick tempered individuals who
only ... Some despise God's goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, because ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/earnest expostulation.htm

The Barren Fig-Tree.
... in a land of Christian light enjoy God's goodness and employ ... conspire to achieve
the purpose of God in the ... put both together in their song of praise (Psalm 101 ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xx the barren fig-tree.htm

I Reject this Predestination for the Following Reasons:
... something for eternal perdition to the praise of his ... reservation in behalf of the
honour of God's goodness. ... of Predestination, that it is God's absolute will ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/3 i reject this predestination.htm

Sight Given to the Blind.
... channels or pipes through which the inexhaustible source of God's goodness flows
to ... a man that is a sinner do such miracles?" "Give God the praise; we know ...
/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/xx sight given to the.htm

Note C. The Holiness of God.
... above all the praise of the creature in His incomparable praise-worthiness, on ... to
His creatures their most precious treasure, a God worthy of ... What is goodness? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/holy in christ/note c the holiness of.htm