The sixth verse of Psalm 23, one of my favorite chapters in the Bible, says that “goodness and mercy will follow me all of my life… .” It is such an astounding statement. Yet, it is baffling because several lovers of God and Christ will state that they do not feel that way. They do not feel favored, like they are living in prosperity and beauty. They also would share that they do not feel God’s lovingkindness. In such a tough world, God’s people often feel beat down. In John 16:33, Jesus says that we will have trouble in this world. In other words, expect it. So, how do we live in goodness and mercy in spite of the many troubles of the world? It has to do with trusting God as our Shepherd.
Around Mark 4:39, we see Jesus stand up and rebuke a storm when He and His disciples were being tossed all over by the waves of the sea. He was not flustered one bit while His disciples were about to lose it. He told His disciples they had no faith, unlike Him. He knew God’s goodness and mercy followed Him. He was sure of it. Why? How?
I am starting to realize that it is a simple statement and command: Believe. Just believe that God has you. Several of us Christians are very tight-lipped. Situations arise. Rather than speak to God and one or two believers to pray and believe with us, we keep our lips shut and suppress our fear. As the storms rage, our hearts palpitate more and more, and we begin to fear and “see” the worst. “How will this storm end?” But Jesus already overcame the world. The Lord gave us a powerful tool that we often fail to use: our tongues. We know that the power of life and death are in our tongues. We know that God did not give us a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. We know that we need to put up a shield of faith to keep out the fiery darts of the enemy, but we choose fear anyway and to say nothing.
It is time to STOP! I started to speak with a believer this morning about a “serious” issue I was going through. As I spoke about it, I started to laugh. I just couldn’t help it. An unexplainable joy crept into my heart, because I realized how troublesome life can be, and how little power I have to control things. I accepted that God gives those He chooses the ability to enjoy what He gives them (Ecclesiastes). It is our choice whether we enjoy them or not. I realized you have to roll with the punches sometimes.
God never ever forgets the sacrifice of His children. Romans 8:28 is a true statement. All will work out for His children, no matter how the enemy chooses to use those around them to oppress or put them down. God is sovereign. He sees and He knows. His children may cry here on earth, even unto death. But in Revelations, it says that the tears of the saints were brought up before the Lord. God does not forget. We must remember that life on earth is short. Eternity is … well, eternity. Fear not those who can hurt the body but not the soul. Enjoy each moment you have on this earth. Believe that God’s goodness and mercy will follow you. If He said it, He will perform it.
So, right now, I dance and laugh in the face of my trial. All will surely be well. It must be. God’s goodness and mercy follow me EVERY SINGLE DAY of my LIFE. Hallelujah.
Amen!