“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” – Psalm 23:6

For so many Christians, the idea of ‘following’ is all about either being followers of the Lord Jesus or of some man or woman of God.

However, our meditation today indicates a declaration by David that the goodness and mercy of God was going to follow him all the days of his life.

The Hebrew term used here means to pursue and overtake, like an animal in pursuit. 

The same term is used in Genesis 44:4, which says; “… follow after the men; and when you overtake them.”

It also means to ‘accompany’ or ‘escort’ someone.      

From the start, this is a poem celebrating the Lord as the psalmist’s shepherd.

As a shepherd from his youth, David understood the role of a shepherd in a sheep’s life.

In 1 Chronicles 17:7- 8, the Bible says; “God took [David] from following the sheep, to be ruler over My people Israel and I have been with you wherever you have gone.” (See also Psalm 78:71).

There is a special Grace that has been following you and it shall continue following you, not just in your good days, but all the days of your life!

The idea of a shepherd following the sheep connotes care, providence and protection.

Figuratively, what David is saying here is that the loving care that the shepherd gives to the sheep by getting their back covered is exactly what the Good Shepherd gives to his people.

He uses both goodness and mercy to describe God’s loyal, abundant love, which is in no way deserved.

When the Lord is your Shepherd, instead of being stalked by wild beasts you’re ‘pursued’ by the Lord’s loving care until it overtakes you.

You’re being followed by His loyal love and providence.

There is a special Grace that has been following you and it shall continue following you, not just in your good days, but all the days of your life! Amen.