DEVOTION, 10/13/2020, Tuesday, Goodness and mercy

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23:6).

The 23^rd Psalm is one of the most beloved parts of the Bible. It begins with, “The Lord is my shepherd.” Jesus referred to Himself as the Good Shepherd, and when we trust in Him, we can say, “The Lord is my shepherd.” Many things come to those who trust in Jesus. Our verse says that goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. Jesus is goodness personified, and He will be with those who trust in Him. Jesus blessed us with divine mercy when He went to the cross to absorb the divine judgment we deserve. His mercy follows those who trust in Him. I remember years ago reading about a man who named his two dogs “Goodness” and “Mercy” His two dogs would follow him everywhere, reminding him that the Good Shepherd is always with him.

As you walk with Jesus and look over your right shoulder, there is His goodness. As you look over your left shoulder, there is His mercy. They will be there daily, to the very end of your earthly life. And the best is yet to come. When we leave this life, we go to dwell in the house of the Lord forever. It is true for everyone who can say, “The Lord is my shepherd.” Why would anyone refuse such a gracious proposal?

Almighty God and Father, thank You so much for sending Jesus to be our Good Shepherd. Thank You that we can count on His goodness and mercy daily. Help me to share this message with as many others as possible, that they may know how they may dwell in the house of the Lord forever. In the name of the Good Shepherd, I pray, Amen.