Words of Grace | Psalm 23 | Surely, Goodness and Mercy

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” Look at the first word: surely. David didn’t say “Maybe goodness and mercy shall follow me.” Or “Possibly goodness and mercy shall follow me.” Or “I have a hunch that good and mercy shall follow me.”
David could have used one of those phrases. But he didn’t. He believed in sure God who makes sure promises and provides a sure foundation.
Our moods may shift, but God doesn’t. Our minds may change, but God doesn’t. Our devotion may falter, but God never does. Even if we are faithless, he is faithful. And because He is a sure God, we can state confidently, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”
And what follows the word surely? “Goodness and mercy.” If the LORD is the shepherd who leads the flock from the front, then goodness and mercy are the two sheepdogs that guard the rear of the flock.
Goodness and mercy. Not goodness alone for we are sinners in need of mercy. Not mercy alone for we fragile in need of goodness. We need them both.
And how long will they follow us? Not “as long as we are good” or “as long as we obey” but “all the days of my life.” Good days and bad days, sunny days and dreary days, dark days and bright days. Have you sensed Him following you?
We often imagine God sitting enthroned in the heavens, but can you imagine a God who pursues you? A God who dares to follow you, to chase you, and to track you down until He wins you over? Can you imagine a God who follows you with “goodness and mercy…all the days of your life?
 Until next time, may the goodness and mercy of God follow you all the moments of this day!