God's Goodness and Mercy

A Study in the Psalms: Psalm 23

Keller, W. Phillip. "Surely Goodness and Mercy Shall Follow Me..." A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Pub. House, 1970. 127-135. Print.

Psalm 23:6a

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life...

The sheep who have a caring shepherd, as David refers to, know they are safe and secure. Just like sheep with a caring shepherd, I am loved and cared for by the Master Shepherd. Keller makes a very poignant point about how I respond when difficulties enter my life.

How many Christians actually feel this way about Christ? How many of us are truly concerned that no matter what occurs in our lives we are being followed by goodness and mercy? Of course it is very simple to speak this way when things are going well. If my health is excellent; my income is flourishing; my family is well; and my friends are fond of me it is not hard to say "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life."

But what about when one's body breaks down? What do I say when I stand by helpless, as I have had to do, and watch a life partner die by degrees under appalling pain? What is my reaction when my job folds up and there is no money to meet bills? What happens if my children can't make their grades in school or get caught running with the wrong gang? What do I say when suddenly, without good grounds, friends prove false and turn against me?

These are the sort of times that test a person's confidence in the care of Christ. These are the occasions during which the chips are down and life is more than a list of pious platitudes. When my little world is falling apart and the dream castles of my ambitions and hopes crumble into ruins can I honestly declare "Surely - yes - surely - goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life"? Or is this sheer humbug and maddening mockery? (128)

It's so easy to see God's goodness, mercy, and love when things are going well. It's harder at times to see His goodness and mercy in the difficult circumstances. It's often hard to understand why God allows difficulties and sickness. At times, I find myself questioning God, like Habakkuk, asking where He is or why He's doing what He's doing, yet it's these difficulties that help my faith and trust in God grow stronger. In the end, I can rest in the knowledge that my Shepherd has gone before me and is there with me working everything out for my good even if I don't understand (Romans 8:28-40). I love the words to the song, Trust His Heart. Part of the chorus states, "...When you don't understand, when you don't see His plan, when you can't trace His hand, trust His heart..."

The reality, however, is that I don't always act upon this knowledge, and I find myself frustrated, scared, upset, and sometimes even angry with God. There are times I feel I know better than my Shepherd, and I go my own way. But God in His graciousness, goodness, and mercy pursues me, and He does not give up! He comes along with His staff and picks me up and brings me back to the flock. Every difficulty that comes in my life is an opportunity for me to see and experience my Shepherd's goodness and mercy. As Corrie Ten Boom once stated, "Every experience God gives us, every person He puts into our lives, is the perfect preparation for the future only He can see."

I'm so thankful God doesn't always listen to me when I try to tell Him what to do. I'm so grateful He doesn't get angry with me for questioning Him and going my own direction at times. He knows the feebleness and frailness of my human nature. His mercies are new every morning. Lamentations 3:22-23 states, "Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."

Thank You, Father for not giving up on me. Thank You for Your new mercies every morning. You never tire of caring for me even though I may wander frequently. You always lovingly pursue me, and for that I'm grateful.

I am reminded of a beautiful hymn, Great is Thy Faithfulness. It is so hard for my human mind to comprehend God's goodness and mercy. If someone treated me the way I respond to God at times, I'd probably sever ties with that person. I'm so glad God doesn't sever ties with me. I'm so thankful for His faithfulness!

What does my life speak to others watching? Do others see sadness and gloom when I'm going through a difficult time, or do they see God's peace, goodness and mercy shining through? I will experience sadness, grief, anger, and disappointment, but I can also experience the peace and joy only God can bring in those times. I don't have to walk around defeated! I already know the end result even if I don't understand the present trouble I'm going through. I want God to shine through in my difficult circumstances! I want His goodness and mercy to be evident to all who see me and know me!