by Erin Bird
Let's continue with our series in Psalm 23. This week we are going to look at the first part of verse 6:
"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,"
Remember back in verse 5 that David was sitting at a table in the presence of his enemies? According to the NET Bible study note on verse 6, the word "follow" in Hebrew should actually be translated "pursue" or "chase," and usually the word is used in Hebrew literature to reflect the actions of an enemy.
But it isn't David's evil table-mates that are chasing him, it is "goodness and mercy." Interestingly, the word translated "mercy" can also be translated as "loyalty" or even "devotion." In other words, David is saying that God loves him so much that God's goodness and loyal-devoted love pursue him no matter what.
This is good news! No matter what is happening around you (COVID-19, lost job, health crisis, etc.) or in you (anger, sadness, confusion, worry, etc.), God is right there pursuing you with His love. And we see that pursuit perfectly in Jesus.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
At Riverwood, we talk about being a "Jesus-follower." But maybe to follow Jesus is to realize He is following you. What a comforting thought to think that no matter where we go and no matter what is happening to us, God's goodness and loyal love shown through the gospel is pursuing us each and every day we experience.
May you rest today in the knowledge that God is with you, and His goodness and mercy are chasing you all the days of your life.
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