Friday, 22 September 2023
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
Proclaim God’s promises over your life!
How beautiful Psalm 23 is! It definitely ranks high on the list of the most popular/well-known Bible passages.
It’s beautiful because it reflects God’s protective and loving nature, and it communicates faith.
It ends with a statement of faith—“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
We don’t know what was happening in his life when David wrote this psalm but I’m grateful that he didn’t let his circumstances determine the strength and depth of his faith and confidence in who God is and the kind of live he was going to live.
You could argue that goodness and mercy didn’t always follow David—he was hunted for his life by his father-in-law, unappreciated by his own father and brothers, betrayed by his son, at war with his enemies for a big chunk of his life. Yet despite these things David had the faith to believe that goodness and mercy would follow his life.
The word “surely” is used to emphasize the psalmist’s firm belief that what he is saying is true. That word “surely” removes any doubt. So next time doubt starts knocking at the door, answer with “surely”!
Surely God has given me the victory (1 Corinthians 15:57). Surely there is forgiveness in Jesus’ name (1 John 1:9). Surely my future is secure (Psalm 31:14-15). Surely if God cares for the birds in the sky and for the flowers in the field he will take care of me (Matthew 6:26-30). Surely I can have peace which transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Surely he listens to my cry (Psalm 66:19). Surely he will take hold of my hand and keep me from falling (Psalm 37:34).
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