Goodness Like a Fetter

Our society abhors things that restrict. From the post-pandemic “comfy” trend in clothing to the “don’t tell me what to do” attitude towards rules and authorities, things that restrict or limit are almost universally seen as negatives.

But in Christianity, the limits and restrictions God places in our pathways are not bad, but good. In fact, they are glimmers of God’s goodness to us.  

I was singing “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” with my church last Sunday when a phrase popped out at me:

“Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,

Bind my wand’ring heart to Thee.”

The idea of God’s goodness being like a fetter, or shackle, always used to strike me as a negative. And yet, as I sang those two lines last Sunday, I was filled with gratitude for the times God’s goodness has kept me from wandering away from Him.

Consider Romans 2:4, which says,

“Or despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?”

This verse reminds us that God’s goodness leads us to repentance. In our society, true repentance is a foreign concept. But it is God’s very goodness that causes the heart to see, admit, and forsake its wrong and seek God’s forgiveness and enabling to do right.

God’s goodness can also be seen in physical limitations. 2 Corinthians 12 tells us about a physical affliction God allowed Paul to bear. Notice the purpose given:

“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.” (v.7)

God allowed Paul a physical limitation because He knew that was what Paul needed to keep him from becoming prideful about the revelations he had received from the Lord. Sometimes you and I need to be limited in some way to keep us humble. That is God’s goodness in action, keeping us close to Him. When Paul asked God to take the thorn away, His response was,

“My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” (v.9)

You see, God’s goodness sometimes prompts Him to limit us, so that we will rely on His power, which is the only way we will see any victory in our lives. Can you think of times God’s goodness has been like a fetter, limiting you in order to keep you close to Him, and to do a good work in your heart and life?

Thank Him for it!

“O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever.” Psalm 107:1