GOD’S GOODNESS & MERCY

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

MEDITATION:
‘Goodness’ and ‘mercy’ will pursue you all the days of your life.
In Psalm 23:6, ‘pursue’ is what the word ‘follow’ literally means.
And it’s not just any ‘goodness’ and ‘mercy’, it is God’s ‘goodness’
and ‘mercy’.

God is ‘perfect’, so His ‘goodness’ and ‘mercy’ are ‘perfect’. God knows
us better than we know ourselves, so He provides the ‘goodness’ we
need; He knows exactly what will help us enjoy life much more, and
what will make our life complete.

And, what about His ‘perfect’ mercy? God’s ‘mercy’ has been defined
as: “God not giving us what we deserve”. Think about the magnitude
of that description! Due to the sinfulness in our life, we deserve His
ultimate punishment. But, God in His ‘mercy’ has given us an opportunity
to have our sins covered by the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ!

Also, think about the restraint required of God to not to give us what
we deserve. When we see heinous acts by criminals, we demand justice
and say, “He or she deserves to be punished! They deserve the sentence
they are given by the courts”. We are not wrong in wanting to see justice,
but God has chosen to be merciful and give us an opportunity for
rehabilitation, if we will conform to His will.

Jesus pursued you with His ‘call of salvation’, and He will continue to
pursue you. His goodness and mercy are like two sheep dogs following
a flock to assure there is safe journey to the Shepherd’s final destination.

ACTION:
How many times have you questioned God’s provision in your
life and wondered if He really cared about you? Well, there’s
no question here! It says ‘surely’, not ‘hopefully’ or ‘possibly’.
Of course you and I will stumble, but when we do, He will pick
us up and encourage us to continue pursuing righteousness.

How will you live differently with the knowledge that God’s ‘goodness’
and ‘mercy’ are going to follow your every step? Will it affect your
your attitude and the way you treat others? Will His ‘goodness’ and
‘mercy’ be able to flow through you and have a positive impact on
others?

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, I cannot think of enough words to
thank You for Your goodness and mercy for me. I know
what I deserve, but You have chosen to forgive me and
allow me to enjoy Your goodness and mercy when I choose
to surrender my life to Your will and pursue righteousness
with the same vigor that Your goodness and mercy pursue
me. Thank You for everything good in my life and forgive
me for everything in my life that does not please You”.

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