”Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.“
Psalm 23:6
Explanation
What an epic and hopeful conclusion David comes to at the end of the psalm. There are two declarations.
- Never ending goodness and Mercy.
I love the seeming personification of goodness and mercy. There is a confidence that because of the presence, provision, leading, restoration, discipline and guidance of the good Shepherd, goodness and mercy will walk with him and be with him in unending succession. He doesn’t have to worry that the Shepherd is going away.
- Never ending protection, provision, and presence.
The Shepherd has a house. The sheep stay with him. This Good Shepherd has a good place where He takes His sheep. How long can the sheep stay? Forever!
Application
Our Good Shepherd will take care of us. We may have times where it looks like we’re going through the valley of the shadow of death. In those moments we may be tempted to think that God doesn’t care. We must remember that God is with us in the good and the bad. Where the Shepherd is taking us ultimately is to His house! He cares for us, He loves us, and He can be trusted. We must choose to follow Him and to trust Him no matter what.
The first question we must ask is this: Is the Lord my shepherd? Have I placed my trust in Christ, who laid down His life for the sheep?
The second question we must ask if He is our shepherd through salvation is this: Am I trusting Him by following Him? Am I obeying Him?
Response
God, I want to trust You, today. I want to follow You, today. I want to obey You, today. Thank you for your goodness, mercy and steadfast love! Amen.