A Wish That Changes the World

“Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” (Ps 107:31 AV)

Discontentment is a plague that covers our world.  Nothing but riots and malcontent.  People of all nations and creeds are rising up because they do not think life is fair.  With cloths on their backs, a warm bed in which to lie down, and sufficient nourishment for the day, somehow, we feel ill-treated.  All the while we ignore the law of God and live like animals.  We suffer consequences for our choices; which are clearly declared beforehand; and feel as though life (and God) has been less than just.  We think that if we get all things that we want, we will be happy.  The truth of the matter is, happiness is not found in gratification, but rather, gratitude.  God is good.  It all depends on what pair of glasses we happen to be looking through at the time.

At issue is not God’s goodness.  At issue is blame for man’s condition.  The evil in the world was introduced by Adam.  God did not cause it.  He gave Adam and Eve the option to obey or disobey.  It was Adam’s choice that brought all the suffering of which we see.  When we do see God’s goodness, it is in spite of man’s wickedness.  God does not owe us anything.  We exist and are cared fore merely from His kindness, benevolence, mercy, and grace.  If all this wickedness were to be our reality, yet without the goodness of God, imagine what creation would truly be like.  There, more than likely, be no human race.

The desire of the writer of this Psalm is that mankind would meditate upon just how good God is.  Yes, there will be suffering.  But it is not because God desires it to be so.  In the midst of our suffering, God is still there.  Waiting for those who will walk humbly with Him to call out in dependence and faith that He might show Himself gracious to them.  This wish of the writer goes further than personal contentment.  If all the world would stop, meditate, and live in gratitude for the goodness of God, the vast majority of our wickedness would be resolved.  Lust would cease because we are grateful for what God provides.  This wish of the writer is a wish that would bring glory to God and peace to mankind.