-Strength for Today- "Surely Goodness and Mercy Shall Follow Me All the Days of My Life." - Psalm 23:6a

  In life, there can be delusional moments of “confusion” and “uncertainty, can lead to “mental delusions. And this disorder, better known as “psychosis” is a “mental disorder,” that’ll cause people to believe, or sense things that aren't real. Over the years, I’ve counseled those who were in need of “emotional, “mental,” and “spiritual calmness.” But to arrest, and put people at ease, there’s no cure, more potent than the assurance that comes with having “peace with God.”  This is the only way to “unravel,” that enslaved mind, and release it from that “spirit of confusion” and “uncertainty,” that’s raging in your mind. 

    As believers in Jesus Christ, you and I need to “surely,” without hesitation “trust” in the “goodness” and “mercy” of God,” every step that we take daily. Because ever we need to be similarly “confident” and “comforted,” believing “even in the valley, in the shadow of death,” that our lives are controlled by the “close” and inseparable relationship,” that we have with God, because of the assuring faith we have in Jesus. 

This reality is seen in the first word “surely,” which denotes the “certainty” of our “indissoluble connectable union with God.” And with the certainty of God’s “irrevocable love,” His abundant “goodness” no matter how “dark the moment” might bring “light,” and when we’re “spiritually hungry,” “it’s the “nourisher of our soul.” So, when David testified that “goodness will follow him,” shows God’s protective love for His sheep, which also demonstrates His attentive care for our many needs. 

David also states that “mercy” follows him. Mercy is God’s “unconditional love” that He showers on His sheep. And His sovereign love can never be “extinguished.” Even when we’re “faithless,” He remains “faithful to us.” The word “follow,” pictures “the high moral standards of God.” These two, “goodness,” and “mercy,” are “twin components of divine love.” It’s “goodness” and “mercy,” that pulled us out of the “mire of deception,” And it’s here that His “rod” and “staff,” brought us closer to the “Good Shepherd.” 

  Even when David found himself in life-threatening situations, God’s goodness was close by. Whatever the trial, God’s “mercy,” trailed him, “all the days of his life.” There’ll never be a single day in which this faithful favor will not be close to him.  

  These two parts of God’s love will nip at his heels all day; every day, for the rest of his life. There’ll never be a day in which the “goodness and mercy” of the Lord isn’t nearby. So even today, we can never escape the loyal love of this “Good Shepherd.” 

 Author: Plez Lovelady, Jr., PhD