The Goodness of Bold, Declarative Praise

It is good to give thanks to the LORD,
And to sing praise to You name, O Most High;
To declare You lovingkindness in the morning,
And your faithfulness every night.

(Psalm 92:1-2)

Let us consider goodness.
Three things come to mind:

• That which is good is good in its source, for that which is evil cannot produce that which is good.
• That which is good is good in its essence. God is able to bring forth good things in the midst of evil, but we should never call evil good because of it. We should always delineate between the two.
• That which is good is good in its effects. It brings forth good results, making the world a better place. It adds benefits and strengthens virtue. It increases beauty, bounty, and prosperity in the world.
  

What is it that the psalm writer is pronouncing as good? Giving thanks. It is good to give thanks to the LORD. The Hebrew word translated “give thanks” is yada. Literally, it means to use the hand, as to throw. But it is used as a term of worship. Think of it as throwing praise and worship toward the Lord in grateful recognition.

The psalm writer is not talking about passive acknowledgement. He is talking about standing up and making bold declaration. What is that declaration? The lovingkindness and faithfulness of the Lord. This is the steadfast covenant love and mercy, and complete trustworthiness of our God.

It is a good thing to worship the Lord, to boldly declare His love and faithfulness. It comes from a good place and brings good results, magnifying the goodness of God on the earth.