Find Out For Yourself

Photo copyright © Randy LeBlanc 2019. Used by permission.

“Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!” Psalms 34:8 NLT

“Find out for yourself how good the Lord is. Happy are those who find safety with him.” Psalms 34:8 GNB

Years ago we were with a church youth group in a retreat setting in the mountains of Ruidoso NM, when the Youth Minister, who happened to be my husband, came upon this Good News version of Psalm 34:8. He brought this verse to the group for an evening devotional discussion, and it has remained in our hearts to this day.

Since then, Randy and I walked through mountains and valleys seeking the Lord as we plodded along life’s journey, finding out how good He is. Not every situation resolved the way we wanted, but God showed Himself faithful in all. In our lives “finding out” for ourselves meant trusting Him to work for our good in every situation.

Recently we were privileged to attend a 35th Reunion of this same youth group. These “youth,” whom we still pictured in our imaginations at teenagers, are now in their 50s. They have careers, spouses, and grown children.

The highlight of the event was to sit around a large table and listen as each one shared their stories of how the Lord had blessed them. We were privileged to witness how they had lived out the truths we had helped plant in their lives. Their commitment to Christ and expressions of his goodness blessed us with “paychecks of the heart,” a testimony in itself to God’s goodness.

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28 NLT

In difficult situations, I have to remind myself to look for God’s goodness. Can you share a situation where God stretched your faith to find the good in a difficult situation?