Momentum For Monday, November 25th 2024

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:6)

It strikes me odd that goodness and mercy follow and not come to us in the future, especially since it is often said that we wait on the Lord. Usually, waiting means you're waiting for something or someone to come to you. But "follow" gives a sense of the past since it's position implies to be behind. Maybe that's the idea, though.

The idea of goodness and mercy "following" is too passive of a picture for the translation. In Hebrew, the word takes a more aggressive tone. "Pursue" would be a better word for the verse.

Is it possible that the goodness and mercy of God come from our past? Could it be that no matter what our former days hold, God's goodness and mercy are chasing us? I think so, though even if is not easy grasp.

If you've ever sat and waited with dread that the other shoe could drop any day like I have, Psalm 23:6 is the exact opposite depiction. If you're in Christ, then God's goodness and mercy pursues you. God is actively trying to reach you with all the goodness that he is. This isn't just for a season, but for the rest of your life.

That's something worth considering. Do you believe in God's goodness and mercy for you? David was certain of it. He felt “surely” or confidently of it. Let God challenge your heart and mind with the truth of that verse.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

(Romans 8:28)