God's Goodness...

We were talking about this in Life Design, and the girls said it was worthy of posting. First of all, in my other Wednesday night Bible Study, about discerning the voice of God, we've been learning this week that in order to really hear from God, our desires has to be knowing God, more than hearing from God. So many times, we want to know what God requires of us, like the law, instead of just wanting to know Him, love Him, and then out of that to serve Him. Well, the timing was perfect because this week's Life Design study was about the Greatness of God. And Psalm 145 was perfect as just describing God and his amazing character. I am going to write it out here, just because most of the people reading this won't have time to grab a bible...so just read it and take time to think about God, just for who He is:
"I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever.
I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever.
Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness.
Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power.
I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles.
Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness.
Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness.
The LORD is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
The LORD is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation.
All of your works will thank you, LORD, and your faithful followers will praise you.
They will speak of the glory of your kingdom; they will give examples of your power.
They will tell about your mighty deeds and about the majesty and glory of your reign.
For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations.
The LORD always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does.
The LORD helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads.
The eyes of all look to you in hope; you give them their food as they need it.
When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.
The LORD is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness.
The LORD is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.
He grants the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them.
The LORD protects all those who love him, but he destroys the wicked.
I will praise the LORD and may everyone on earth bless his holy name forever and ever."

I know it's a lot of reading, but isn't is amazing? This is our God!! Okay, so back to the point...
The question in our study: If God has proved His goodness over and over again, why do we find ourselves waiting for His goodness to run out?
Well, there are many answers...but mine was because OUR goodness always runs out. No matter how hard I try to be a good wife, a good mom, a good housekeeper...I do well for a while, and then I run out!! But God's goodness has no end, it is not like ours.
So last night, the kids were getting into trouble. Emma just would not be quiet and go to bed, so yes, I told her that if she didn't quiet down I would take her night light. And she didn't, so I did. I know, even I felt bad as she was screaming and crying. But she settled down and went to sleep. Then about midnight, I hear her wake up and start crying. I go in to see what is wrong, and she tells me, "I don't want it to be dark!!" In my mind I am thinking, "Seriously? This is about the night light!!" But, I told her that she chose not to be obedient, blah blah blah. Then I leave the room. Noah wakes up, so I go get him and start feeding him. And it occurs to me, that God absolutely has consequences for disobedience, but His goodness to us still continues. He does not leave us crying in our consequences with no comfort, or no hope. So, I get Noah back to sleep and I go in and pray with Emma, that God's angels would come and watch over her, and help her to not be afraid even though it is dark, and to help her to make a better choice the next time Mommy asks her to be quiet.
God's goodness does not run out...And even though mine does, I am looking to Him, knowing that His goodness will go the distance.