Vision

BY PHYLLIS YORK

The Goodness of God All my life, I have experienced the goodness of God. I experienced it in my family. My Dad’s mom and sister were instrumental in my becoming a Christian at age 11. They lived with Christ in control of their lives. Over and over, I watched their morning routine. They always took time to read their Bibles after breakfast. I can still see Mamaw in her recliner and Jenny on the couch. When they finished, they would get on their knees and pray aloud, thanking God for His blessings, honoring Him for Who He is, and petitioning Him for their sons and brothers. I even heard my own name in their prayers.

Although my dad didn’t follow Christ until his 80s, he instilled in me a good work ethic, taught me to be kind to all people, to stand for what was right, and to be faithful to church. Maybe he didn’t go himself, but when mom was sick and couldn’t attend, he made sure I made it to church right on time.

And all my life You have been faithful; And all my life You have been so, so good.

I have also enjoyed the goodness of God in my marriage. My husband loves the Lord with his whole being. He works hard to provide. He is honest and unwavering in his beliefs, compassionate, and loves people. He is my best friend. Don’t get me wrong. Our marriage isn’t perfect, and we’ve had some rough times, but our bond is stronger now than it ever has been. After 43 years of marriage, we have three children who love and serve the Lord with their spouses, three grandboys growing in discipline and instruction of the Lord, and two granddaughters on the way.

With every breath that I am able, oh, I will sing of the goodness of God!

When I reflect on the times my family faced difficulty—standing for biblical truth, surviving cancer, the loss of friends and loved ones, and all the other challenges of life—the lyrics of The Goodness of God echo over and over in my mind.

I love Your voice. You have led me through the fire. In the darkest night You are close like no other. I’ve known You as a Father, I’ve known You as a Friend, And I have lived in the goodness of God.

What about you? Are you living in the goodness of God? If you are, take a moment to reflect on His goodness. (You may even want to sing!)

“For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” Psalm 100:5

About the Colunnist:

Phyllis York is the interim director of WNAC and lives in Smyrna, Tennessee, with her husband Tim. She has been a leader in Free Will Baptist Women’s Ministries since 1992. In 2010, Phyllis began working for WNAC as administrative assistant to Director Elizabeth Hodges. Spending time with her three grandboys is her favorite thing to do.

Lyrics taken from “The Goodness of God.” Jenn Johnson, Bethel Music.

Coming January 2023