A New Hymn: "Heavenly Father, Thou Art Good"

Psalms 52:1 reads, "The goodness of God endureth continually." (KJV)

Thomas Manton wrote: "He is originally good, good of Himself, which nothing else is; for all creatures are good only by participation and communication from God. He is essentially good; not only good, but goodness itself" the creatures good is a super added quality, in God it is His essence. He is infinitely good; the creature's good is but a drop, but in God there is an infinite ocean or gathering together of good. He is eternally and immutably good, for He cannot be less good than He is; as there can be no addition made to Him, so no subtraction from Him."

A. W. Pink wrote, "God is summum bonum, the highest good."

I was meditating on the goodness of God Wednesday morning during my devotions. I turned to my hymnal to sing praises to God of His goodness and I was dismayed to learn that there were no hymns referring to the goodness of God in my hymnal (Hymns For the Living Church.)

I found a hymn called Good Christian Men, rejoice and sing. I couldn't find one extolling or praising the goodness of God. That I thought was almost criminal. So, I wrote one. Here is an attempt at a hymn extolling the goodness of God. If there is anyone who would put music to this "traditional" hymn I would gladly share credit. Hopefully we could begin to sing in our churches hymns of God's goodness.

Heavenly Father, Thou Art Good!

(Gregg Metcalf) 

Heavenly Father, thou art Good, you are so; Praise to you joyfully

is offered by your children below. We shall give by our lips what is only

befitting to you, receive our praise this day which is all we can do

Heavenly Father, thou art Good, you are so; You with great grace

allow us to know. Your blessings are to us as creatures unworthy

tis true, yet we receive all we need from the richness of you

Heavenly Father, thou art Good, you are so; filling us with goodness

from you which flow. Our senses are pleased and our palates are

favorably bested, as the limits of your goodness remain untested

Heavenly Father, thou art Good, you are so; from this goodness

do your children grow. The goodness of God endures continually

says the word, therefore these praises will forever and ever be heard.

Heavenly Father, thou are Good, you are so; in you abide such

heavenly light to bestow.  No darkness resides in you for you

are of such perfection, and we are but creatures of your affection.