Goodness and Mercy Forever
Can you believe that this year is almost over? This has certainly been a year of many changes, including a new president. In spite of all of these changes, I’m so glad that we can hold to the comfort found in Psalm 23. It has been a joy to share this wonderful chapter with you for the last five devotions. This month concludes our series with verse six.
Psalm 23:6 “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.”
David lived many of his years surrounded by danger. As a shepherd boy, he encountered near death experiences from a lion and a bear. Then after his great victory over Goliath, he became the target of Saul’s raging jealousy. When Saul’s own attempts to kill David had failed, Saul ordered his men to go to David’s house and kill him there. With the help of his wife and brother in-law Jonathan, David escaped and began a new life as a hunted man. Oh the misery of constantly being followed! We have a friend whose brother lives in constant secrecy as part of the Federal Witness Protection program. His court testimony brought the conviction of some very dangerous people. And because of this, the underworld of crime has issued a death sentence on him. Much like David, this individual will spend the rest of his life as a hunted man.
David could never remain in one place too long because Saul was in constant pursuit. Then Saul was killed battle and David became Israel’s new king. You would think that his days of being pursued were now over. But sadly, David’s own son Absalom rebelled against him and he was forced to run for his life again. Yet, as David pondered the events of his life, he realized that something else was also pursuing him. I can see him smile as he wrote: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”
Dignitaries always have a security team that follow them wherever they go. Their sole mission, and even their lives are dedicated to the protection and well being of that one person. My friend, you can rest in peace knowing that God’s goodness and mercy is the best security that you will ever need!
“…and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”
With David’s thoughts in rewind, I’m sure that he remembered the times when sat in a dark cave or a barren wilderness and longed to worship the Lord in Jerusalem. If only he walk through the familiar gates of Jerusalem and worship on the sabbath days again. But David realized that he could still dwell in God’s presence, right in the middle of a barren wasteland! That reminds me of John the Revelator. He was banished to the island called Patmos. Patmos, interpreted means: My killing. In other words this place was meant to kill him. But Bro. John wrote: “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet.” In the most desolate place of his life, John received a heavenly revelation that still gives us insight of what lies ahead.
Friend, I believe that both of these men would tell you that the darkest, loneliest trial can become a powerful meeting place with God. Looking back on Psalm 23, we find that David first acknowledged the Shepherd who is “leading” the way. And now he concludes with the beautiful reality that goodness and mercy are “following”. And praise God, we will dwell in His presence forever!
God bless all of you and have a very Merry Christmas!