Is it Biblical for Christians to Say 'I Will Sing of the Goodness of God'?
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One of the more popular worship songs in Christianity today contains the phrase, “I will sing of the goodness of God.” The song “Goodness of God” remembers God’s faithfulness and love, applying both to a hope for the future.
While this is a nice phrase, we should take time to dig deeper into its meaning. Why is it important to remember his goodness? And why do we sing about it?
Where Does the Bible Say “I Will Sing of the Goodness of God”?
The phrase “I will sing of the goodness of God” doesn’t appear in that exact wording in English Bible translations. However, the sentiment resonates in numerous biblical passages that praise God for his goodness and faithfulness.
The Amplified Bible translates Psalm 89:1 as “I will sing of the goodness and lovingkindness of the Lord forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness from generation to generation.” The Amplified Bible offers an expanded understanding of Scripture by providing additional context and multiple English word equivalents for Hebrew and Greek terms. Translation from one language to another proves difficult, because one word in Hebrew or Greek usually doesn’t mean the exact same as one English word. In Psalm 89:1, the Hebrew word hesed conveys God’s steadfast love, mercy, kindness, and faithfulness, representing the covenantal relationship. Therefore, the Amplified Bible translates hesed in Psalm 89:1 as both goodness and lovingkindness to give a clearer meaning.
We read one of these passages in Psalm 34:1, where King David proclaims, “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” This declaration reflects a commitment to praising God and acknowledging his goodness in every circumstance. In the rest of the psalm, David recounts God’s deliverance, protection, and provision throughout his life.
Similarly, in Psalm 107, the psalmist begins by encouraging the redeemed to give thanks to the Lord because he is good and his steadfast love endures forever. The writer proceeds to describe various instances of God’s deliverance and provision for Israel throughout history, urging God’s people to praise him for these wonderful works.
The New Testament continually encourages Jesus’ followers to express gratitude and worship through singing. In Ephesians 5:19-20, Paul instructs believers to address each other in “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs,” singing and making melody to God with their hearts, giving thanks always and for everything to the Father in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul writes the same idea in Colossians 3:16-17: “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Outward praises to God come from allowing the Word of God (Jesus) to reside in the heart, overflowing from the inner Spirit of truth to expression in song. In faith gatherings, this praise process has a teaching effect. Praise doesn’t have a simple emotional function; its greatest value comes from declaring and living the truth. The Body of Christ then encourages itself.
Jesus speaks one of the greatest truths about God when addressing the Rich Young Ruler: “There is none good but God” (Mark 10:18). Goodness doesn’t exist as a standard apart from God, which the Lord meets. He is the standard. He alone is good and goodness. Therefore, we sing and exalt his goodness.
Who Wrote the Song “Goodness of God”?
“Goodness of God” wasn’t written by a single individual. Jenn Johnson, Ben Fielding, Brian Johnson, Ed Cash, and Jason Ingram co-wrote this powerful anthem; the song resonated deeply with Christians worldwide.
Johnson is the most prominent of these songwriters. She serves as worship leader, songwriter, and senior worship pastor at Bethel Church in Redding, California. Born into a musical family, she developed a passion for worship at a young age and began leading worship as a teen. Since then, Jenn has made contributions to the contemporary Christian music industry. Throughout her career, Jenn Johnson played a key role in Bethel’s worship ministry, helping to lead the congregation into powerful God encounters through music and song.
In addition to being a worship leader, Jenn Johnson has written and co-written numerous worship songs sung by churches worldwide. Her lyrics are filled with a deep reverence for God, a commitment to biblical truth, and a desire to lead others into authentic Holy Spirit encounters.
A highly respected figure in contemporary Christian music, Ben Fielding co-wrote “Goodness of God.” Originally from Australia, Fielding collaborated with Hillsong Worship, one of the industry’s most influential worship ministries, and co-wrote other popular songs, including “Mighty to Save,” “Cornerstone,” and “This I Believe (The Creed).” Brian Johnson—the son of Bethel’s senior pastor, Bill Johnson—is also a worship leader. He co-founded Bethel Music and shaped its sound and direction as its collection of worship leaders and songwriters seek to create music that leads people into God’s presence.
Ed Cash and Jason Ingram, two accomplished songwriters and producers, also contributed to “Goodness of God.” Ed Cash has written and produced songs for many renowned Christian and mainstream artists, while Jason Ingram has collaborated with artists like Chris Tomlin, Hillsong United, and Lauren Daigle.
How Many Different Versions Exist of “I Will Sing of the Goodness of God”?
As with many popular worship songs, there are several versions of “Goodness of God.”
- “Goodness of God” (Live Version) by Bethel Music: Bethel Music released a live version of “Goodness of God” on their 2019 album Victory (Live), recorded during a worship night at Bethel Church. This rendition captures the raw emotion and spontaneous worship that often characterizes live recordings. The live version of “Goodness of God” features Jenn Johnson leading worship and quickly became a major song for churches.
- “Goodness of God” by Bethel Music: Bethel Music recorded and released the song, with Johnson again singing the lyrics, on their 2020 album Peace. Bethel produced a more subdued and quiet version of the song here.
- “Goodness of God” by Cece Winans: Legendary artist Cece Winans recorded her live version of the song on her 2021 album Believe for It. Winan’s amazing vocals give the song great power and an amazing interpretation.
- “Goodness of God” by Jason Ingram: Ingram also recorded his rendition as a single released on his 2020 EP Goodness of God. Ingram’s version showcases his distinctive vocal style and musical arrangement, offering a fresh interpretation of the timeless message of God’s goodness.
Listening to these various covers can be an enriching experience, as they show us the ways that different artists use their God-given gifts in different ways, even when using the same material. Depending on their style or emphasis, they can help us to think about the lyrics in different ways.
Why Is It Important We Sing of the Goodness of God?
Taking the phrase, “I will sing of the goodness of God,” why should we choose to participate in this? Here are a few reasons.
- Expressing Gratitude. Singing about God’s goodness tangibly expresses gratitude for his blessings, provision, and faithfulness. By vocalizing our appreciation, we acknowledge God’s goodness and magnify his acts of kindness and mercy toward us. Gratitude is foundational to a healthy Christian life, and singing of the Lord’s goodness fosters a heart of thanksgiving, cultivating deeper joy and contentment.
- Being Intentional. God doesn’t force us to sing of his goodness. We must intentionally choose it. The Kingdom of God operates by invitation and love, not coercion. The words “I will” speak not of an emotional response but an act of will: a conscious decision to praise him specifically because he alone is good. Emotions can be manipulated. However, our conscious choice comes from believing in truth.
- Strengthening Faith. Declaring his goodness through song reminds us of his past faithfulness and encourages us to trust him for the future. As the song states, God has led us through the fire before to safety and blessing, and if we currently experience difficulties and struggles, he will again. We can trust his promises because of his omnipotence and goodness. Singing these truths brings us confidence in him, strengthening our resolve to trust him in all things.
- Proclaiming Truth: Simply stated, he alone is worthy of praise. In the end, every knee will bow, and tongue confesses he is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). Through song, we declare his attributes—his might, power, sovereignty, love, mercy, grace, faithfulness, and goodness to our hearts and the hearts of others in the congregation. Singing bears witness to who God is and testifies to his wonderful works.
- Building Community. When we come together to worship God through song, we declare a united acknowledgment of his goodness. Singing creates a sense of belonging and camaraderie as we join our voices with fellow believers to exalt God’s name.
- Encountering God’s Presence. We enter his gates with thanksgiving and courts with praise (Psalm 100:4). Signing of his goodness brings us into an intimate encounter with God’s presence, and we invite the Holy Spirit to move among us and transform hearts and lives, from healing to renewal. Lifting voices opens hearts to God and prepares us to follow his lead. His presence fulfills our every longing.
So let us sing to God of his goodness! Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. And again, I say rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). Every moment, we must worship him in every circumstance. We rejoice “in the Lord.” The joy and the ability to praise God exist within the person of God. God has placed the ability to praise him within our hearts by the Spirit, which cries out to the Father from the Son, “Abba, Father!” (Galatians 4:6) We choose to join in with the Spirit of the Son to worship the Father and enjoy the benefits of God’s presence, love, and power.
Peace.
Photo Credit:©GettyImages/Vasyl Dolmatov
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