"Become Radiant Over The Goodness Of Jehovah"

When Satan tempted Eve in the garden of Eden, he began by subtly undermining her trust in Jehovah's goodness. Jehovah had told Adam: "From every tree of the garden you may eat to satisfaction." Of the thousands of trees that must have graced that garden, only one was placed off-limits by Jehovah. Yet, notice how Satan worded his first question to Eve: "Is it really go that God said that you must not eat from every tree of the garden?" (Genesis 2:9, 16; 3:1) Satan twisted Jehovah's words to make Eve think that Jehovah was holding back something good. Sadly, the tactic worked. Eve, like so many men and women after her, began to doubt the goodness of God, who had given her everything she had.

We know the depth of sorrow and misery brought on by such doubts. So let us take to heart the words of Jeremiah 31:12: "They will certainly . . . become radiant over the goodness of Jehovah." Jehovah's goodness should indeed make us radiant with joy. We need never doubt the motives of our God, who is so full of goodness. We may trust in him completely, for he wants nothing but good for those who love him.

Further, when we get an opportunity to talk to others about God's goodness, we are delighted. Regarding Jehovah's people, Psalm 145:7 says: "With the mention of the abundance of your goodness they will bubble over." Every day that we live, we benefit in some way from Jehovah's goodness. Why not make it a practice each day to thank Jehovah for his goodness, being as specific as possible? Thinking about that quality, thanking Jehovah for it daily, and telling others about it will help us to imitate our good God. And as we seek was to do good, as Jehovah does, we will draw ever closer to him. The aged apostle John wrote: "Beloved one, be an imitator, not of what is bad, but of what is good. He that does good originates with God." -3 John 11.

Jehovah's goodness is also associated with other qualities. For example, God is "abundant in loving-kindness," or loyal love. (Exodus 34:6) This quality is more specific in its focus than its goodness, for Jehovah expresses it particularly toward his faithful servants. In the next chapter, we will learn how he does so.

Next time:"You Alone Are Loyal"

Draw Close To Jehovah, 2002