NO GOOD THING WITHHELD

NO GOOD THING WITHHELD
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭84‬:‭11‬ ‭ESV‬‬
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.”

The pilgrims making their way to the Temple in Jerusalem sing this psalm. Despite the long and arduous journey, their longing for God’s house keeps them going. Not only the place, but the LORD Almighty occupies their minds and hearts. Who is he, and what is he to them?

He is sun and shield, and he bestows favour and honour. Without the sun, utter darkness and cold will render all existence lifeless. But God brings light, warmth and life. He cares for our well-being. Each day as the sun rises, the pilgrims are reminded that God still cares.

He still cares for a world which has turned its back on him. Along our pilgrimage, we face the ravages of a broken world. God is then our shield, to defend and protect us. He acts for our good, and no good thing will he withhold from us. Does it mean therefore, with his favour and honour, we pilgrims will have a trouble-free life?

Not so. “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in” (Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬). If discipline is good for us, God will not withhold it. He thinks longterm good, and may allow short-term pain to achieve it. He delights in whom he disciplines.

If all he provides for us, and all he defends us against, is for our good, we rest assured we are in good hands. Like the pilgrims of old, we continue on our journey, singing, God is good; all he gives is good, now or ultimately so!

For our good, God gives or withholds.