The God of the universe is benevolent. What an amazing truth!
The creator and sustainer of the world and skies, beyond what we can see above and below, is kind and helpful, compassionate and good. These words describe, in part, the God who desires a relationship with the creation he made in his image – us!
Benevolent comes from Latin, with bene meaning good and velle meaning to wish. The Bible describes God as “gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made” (Psalm 145:8,9 NIV). Our God wants what is good for us. He defines the essence of good, because he is good. “No one is good except God alone” (Mark 10:18b ESV, letter N in Keep on Track Volume 2).
God’s kindness and helpfulness invites us to lean into him. He welcomes us. As his children by faith, we can be assured that his demeanor is not mean, his intent is not to harm, and his ear is not closed. He wants us to receive his love, trust his ways, and abide in him.
Hear the words of David, a shepherd who became a king, pulling these traits of God together in a scene: “The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul” (Psalm 23:1-3a NIV, letter B for Benevolent in Follow and Lead).
Sheep are completely dependent on their shepherd and must trust his guidance and care. A good shepherd wants what he knows is best for his flock and so he provides, guides, and cares. With God, the Good Shepherd, we must trust that he knows what is best for us and then follow him, allowing him to take his best care of us. What a sense of peace that brings, resting in his care.
Have you noticed how God takes care of what he created? Have you, for example, pondered how birds find food and shelter? Have you been mesmerized by the creative beauty of flowers? Have you, also, considered that this goodness is for creations that were not made in God’s image, not rescued from sin by the sacrifice of Jesus, and not given relationship with God through the work of the Holy Spirit? And yet God takes good care of them! How much more so does God’s benevolence extend even more to his people! He knows all we need and he provides as we seek first his kingdom and his righteousness. (Matthew 6:25-34)
How can we demonstrate that we believe God is benevolent? We can allow his helpfulness and kindness to be displayed through us, giving God the glory he deserves. We can and should give over to him our concerns (1 Peter 5:7), seek his guidance (James 1:5), and obey his commands (John 14:15).
Because God is benevolent we can trust him fully, submit to him humbly, and follow him always (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Grow in faith and in knowledge of our benevolent Father as you work through Follow and Lead.