Psalm 27:13 I would have lost heart unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

Psalm 27 reveals the potential for despair turned to praise based on seeking the Lord with expectation despite all that is happening in the natural to discourage.  It speaks of being forsaken by father and mother, being pursued by haters who wish him great harm, having his reputation assaulted by false witnesses and an army encamped against him.

In other words, the circumstances threaten hindrance, opposition, assault, and potential for destruction.

“I would have lost heart unless.” What prevents the psalmist from losing heart?  He expects to see the goodness of God in the land of the living!

What is your expectation today? 

Is there something in your thoughts being allowed to hinder you from coming before Him as you should?

“I would have lost heart unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.”

God gives us a way to keep expectations of His goodness alive and active.  It begins with taking every thought captive to the obedience Christ performed on your behalf and applying His obedience to your reality.  Christ’s obedience is the means by which we have been given acceptance and the right to draw near with great boldness to the throne of grace.  By faith, take hold of what Jesus did and let it bring you before the Father with an expectation of His goodness.  Jesus said in,

John 16:23 “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. 24 Until now, you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive that your joy may be full.

What does it mean to ask in His name? It means asking based on Jesus’ obedience, not on our own actions.  

“I would have lost heart unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.”

Jesus established a kingdom that is full of life, hope, joy, and peace!  It is the land of the living the psalmist spoke of.  Jesus is the goodness of God!  You do not have to lose heart!  You do not have to live a life of settling for things the way they are right now!  You can believe that the goodness of God will show up on your behalf! 

Coming to Jesus established you in a New Covenant of better things.  If you’ve received Jesus, you get to live with an expectation of the goodness of God!