If the Lord is the shepherd who leads the flock, goodness and mercy are the two sheepdogs that guard the rear of the flock. Goodness and mercy. Not goodness alone, for we are sinners in need of mercy. Not mercy alone, for we are fragile, in need of goodness. We need them both...
Goodness and mercy---the celestial escort of God's flock. If that duo doesn't reinforce your faith, try this phrase: "all the days of my life."
What a huge statement. Look at the size of it! Goodness and mercy follow the child of God each and every day! Think of the days that lie ahead. What do you see? Days at home with only toddlers? God will be at your side. Days in a dead-end job? He will walk you through. Days of loneliness? He will take your hand. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me --not some, not most, not nearly all--but all the days of my life.
And what will he do during those days? (Here's my favorite word.) He will "follow" you.
How awesome is that?! I needed to hear that this morning......I needed reminding that God will follow me with goodness and mercy each and every day. And because He is following, I won't get lost, He sees me.......no matter where I turn or what comes into my path!!!
As I look at the days ahead, it can be frightening and worrisome.......teenagers driving, kids going on mission trips in other countries, kids going off to college, hard times in ministry, economic and financial issues, health issues..........but what a comfort to know that God is not only before me, but hemming me in behind with goodness and mercy!!
I don't know about you, but that brings a sweet smile to my face today!
9 comments:
Amen, my friend!
This makes me smile, though, because when I was a child and we sang the old song, I always wondered what kind of goodness was "surely goodness". They always sorta ran the two words together when they sang! I was amazed when I realized it was actually "Surely, goodness and mercy...."!!
Thanks for the reminder. Good Stuff!
Shirley Goodness is a good friend to have :)
Thank you for this dear friend!!!
IWhat a great reminder to us all.
Hey- Joel was Rachel's pastor. Her family is still at our church. Grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Her family is awesome as is she. I met her 8 1/2 yrs ago when we moved to here. She was a senior in high school. She is a great person and can't wait for her to bring her son home.
AND, I will be singing that song ALL day! Thank you...I love it and have not sung it for AGES!!
I need to always remember that He is with me.
Good words, lady.
That is so great! Thanks for the reminder.
Wise words. Thanks for this!!
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