SURELY GOODNESS & MERCY...

In this last blog of this Psalm 23 series, we examine a simple statement. Verse 6 reads "surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life...". Not only is this a simple statement but it is also bold and borderline boastful. It's an exclamation of the confidence that you and I have (or should have) in the One who controls our well-being and destiny. It's an assurance of the privilege that we have in being children of the Most High God. We are under sound, sympathetic, intelligent ownership! What care do we have? What keeps us up at night? Goodness and mercy is our portion and the expected treatment we receive from our Master's loving hands! Right?

But how many of us actually feel this way about Christ? How many of us are truly convinced that no matter what happens in our lives, we are being followed, chased even, by goodness and mercy? It's very easy for anyone to say this when things are going well. Your health is excellent, you've just been promoted, the family is thriving, your marriage is doing great, and the income is IN-COMING! But what do you say when you just got a negative report from the doctor for yourself or a loved one? What do you say when you've just been laid off, again? What about when you are watching a loved one die slowly? Or you face the awful pain of infidelity in your marriage? Are goodness and mercy still following you then?

Shepherds often have to lead sheep through valleys, blind alleys and over rocky places to get them to where they want them to be. The way of the sheep is not pretty or easy. And sheep are skittish and prone to fear, worry and running. Sound familiar? It is the care and concern of the shepherd that reassures them, it is his love for the sheep that keeps them moving through the tight spaces and places where their backs are literally "up against a wall". It's knowing that their master is with them through these journeys and that he or she hasn't just sent them on and left them to fend for themselves. He's following closely behind to ensure their well-being. Like any good parent would do. Remember how our mothers always made us walk in front of them? God not only leads, but He also goes before and behind us (Psalm 139:5, Isaiah 52:12).

Years ago, I went through a very dark season and did not know what was happening. I wondered where God was in the midst of my trial. Looking back now I see that His goodness and mercy were right behind me. Not only making sure that I maintained forward motion but also ensuring that in the wake of every disappointment, letdown, betrayal and insult I wouldn't get stuck there but still arrive at the place where He ultimately wants me to be. And that I would still be everything He's called me to be. His goodness and His mercy shall follow me and you all the days of our lives.

~Dania Roberts