Goodness and Mercy

"Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." Psalm 23:6

Goodness and mercy.

Not just goodness alone, for we all are flawed and in need of mercy. Not just mercy alone, for we all are fragile and inadequate, in need of God’s goodness. So he guarantees both.

And if that doesn’t impress you, try this phrase: "all the days of my life." Think of the days that lie ahead of you: tough days of raising children, days in a dead-end-job, underpaid and financially strapped, days of loneliness, days of ill health, days of care giving. Listen: "Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." All of them!

And what will the Shepherd do during those days? He will follow you. What a surprising way to describe God. We’re accustomed to a God who remains in one place; who sits enthroned in the Heavens and rules. But no, like a Shepherd who comes behind, gently coaxing His sheep forward, our Lord follows us. Pursues us. Tracks us down and wins us over.

Have you sensed Him pursuing you? So often we miss Him; we don’t know our Helper when He’s near. Yet He’s always there; through the kindness of a stranger; through the question of a child or the commitment of a loved one; through a word of encouragement spoken or a touch well timed we sense His presence. Even when we choose our hovel over His house and our efforts over His grace, still He follows. Never forcing us. Never leaving us. Using all His power to convince us that He is who He is, and that He can be trusted to lead us home. What more could we ask for?

-RBG New Zealand - Word for Today-

Wishing All of You a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Time flies! Every year, God reveals His faithfulness in so many ways..many times, we could have missed His blessings because we have taken what He has given us for granted..especially the little things in life.

I am thankful to the Lord for teaching me some deep aspects of my character through love ones, like what is written in Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." It can be painful to go through, but there again, I see God’s hand of mercy over me. For God to change us, our weaknesses need to be recognized and confronted.

As we move on to a New Year..let us desire Him to change us further..more than success in our work, or material blessings..that God is more interested in who we are and what life principles are being developed in us. His blessings will pursue us if we continue to seek Him first and His righteousness.

"Thank you" to all of you and I wish you all a blessed, exciting, fun-filled New Year..though there will be hard times..remember, His goodness and mercy will see you through!

Love, Jo