Psalm 23:6a “surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life…”

Having goodness and mercy ‘following’ us gives the impression that God uses them, like two big, lovable sheepdogs to keep us together, keep us from straying and keep us from having to worry about the past. We don’t need to worry about the things we have left behind us because his mercy and forgiveness, God’s grace, is bigger than any sin we might commit, and his goodness and love keeps us from falling into condemnation. How many times have we had the past sneak up on us, only to resurface and mess things up? God has said that, as we follow him, we will leave a legacy of things behind us that will not serve to cause us worry, but rather that will give us confidence in the journey ahead. Mercy is new every day. His goodness he keeps in store such that it will never run out (Psalm 31:19). David was sure that on God’s goodness and mercy he could always depend. Wherever his travels took him, on whatever paths the shepherd led him, those two lovable guardians would be there to encourage and to support him. Never fear, your shepherd has your back!

Pray: “Heavenly Father, there isn’t a price that can be laid on peace of mind, knowing that I do not have to move forward while looking over my shoulder. You have truly thought of everything. Thank you for your mercies, new each morning, and for keeping goodness in store for me, to help keep me close. You amaze me, Father - in Jesus’ name, thank you - Amen.”