Somethin's Followin You Around

Psalm 23- one of the more famous passages in the Bible. We've probably heard it all our lives, in and outside of church. In fact, I even remember it being quoted in the movie Titanic. As the boat is tilted up in the air, and people are clinging to the railing, a priest begins quoting this Psalm in the face of impending doom. It's a Psalm of hope, of comfort, of rest. Just in case you need a brush up/ reminder it's about the Lord being our shepherd, we shall not want, when we walk through the valley of death..etc... hey you could look it up and read it if you want a real refresher :)

There's so many truths and lessons encompassed in this passage. We could pick apart each section and discuss it's relevence today and the message of hope this secures for us. Today, however, I want to focus on the last verse.  I met with my mentor, Annabell, yesterday, and have researching and digging into this Psalm she discovered an explanation that I found great joy and comfort in.  I want to share it with you.

 ⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
         All the days of my life;         
   And I will dwell^[a] in the house of the LORD
         Forever.

I've always thought "yah I like that. If I follow God, then this "goodness and mercy" stuff will follow me." Sounds like a good deal. In fact, everytime I hear this quote, I want to sing the song "Surely goodness and mercey shall fooolloow me, all the days, all the days of my liiiffee...." But yesterday, Annabell took it a step further than just "good stuff to have followin me around." I've never really thought about what it truly means to have God's goodness and mercy follow me. So, today, I pray that you will be encouraged by this precious gem:

God's goodness takes care of our steps, while His mercy takes care of our stumbles.

Did you get that? Read it again.

When we chose to follow Him, God knows that we are never going to be perfect. He doesn't expect perfection, He expects willingness, and He will do the rest.  When we follow Christ, His goodness gives us the security, blessings, and strength for our journey.  Through His goodness to us, He acknowledges our humanity, our imperfections, and thus He then extends His mercy to pick us up when we fall. What blessed assurance to know that if we allow Him, God takes care of every step we make, and when we do trip, He's right there, extending his hand, ready to help us back to our feet.

Have a wonderful day knowing that you are never far from your Heavenly Father. As you journey through this life, His goodness and mercy are following close behind.... and that's good stuff to have hangin around :).