Surely Goodness and Mercy Shall Follow Me…

Psalm 23:6

Psalm 23 is summed up in one brave but simple statement:  “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever”.  It is a bold statement but an exclamation of confidence in the One who controls us.  David expresses in this verse that the Lord’s goodness will be with him throughout his life.  Whether it be green pastures, still waters that lay ahead, or walking through the valley of the shadow of death; the Lord’s goodness would accompany him.

We are all living in chaotic times, and sometimes it feels like the brokenness of this world and ourselves is too much to handle.  We feel discouraged, disappointed, and confused about where to turn in the dark times of our lives.  Maybe you are dealing with the death of a loved one or suffering from an illness.  Maybe you have lost a job, or just feel uncertain about your life and where you’re going.  But the Bible, the wonderful Word of God, offers us comfort, wisdom, motivation, and hope when we need reminders of those things.  God’s love for you is unending, and His mercies are new every morning.  Let this verse, and all of Scripture be in your heart and mind when you need a reminder of God’s goodness.

This is a supreme portrait of our good Shepherd.  His goodness and His mercy, which we may not necessarily deserve, flow out to us.  In ancient literature, sheep were referred to as “those of the golden hooves” – simply because they were regarded and esteemed so highly for their beneficial effect on the land.  In this Psalm, He has taken us from the green pastures and still waters, through the mountain passes, and the high tablelands of the summer range, drives the sheep down the foothills, and back to the home ranch for the long quiet winter.  There is a sublime composure and contentment with the statement, “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever”.

For when all is said and done on the subject of a successful Christian walk, it can be summed up in one sentence; live ever aware of God’s presence!  What an assurance!  I shall dwell in the presence, (in the care of), the Lord forever.