Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the LORD
forever. —Psalm 23:5
One big idea to keep in mind for the Psalms: they were songs, meant to be sung out loud. Reading is good, but affirming the reality of these words out loud is a different level.
Now, at the end of this song, David looks forward in time to God’s grace-filled provision. Based on what he’s experienced in the past, he can trust God for his future as well.
Goodness and Unfailing love
David writes “Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life.” David has already experienced his goodness and his loyal faithfulness pursuing him—most likely during the days the Shepherd pursued him in his youth. Like sheep, we are prone to wander—we are prone to leave the Shepherd. Now David is confident that this same goodness and faithfulness will continue with him in the days to come.
He knows that God has been good to him, but then he uses a word that describes unfailing love. Other versions translate the word “lovingkindness.” The word in Hebrew is hesed, and it has the idea of faithful, loyal, undeserved kindness and generosity from one person to another. More than just a feeling, it is action that is shown for the benefit of another.
All his life David has experienced God’s faithful goodness and so he knows that God’s love can be counted on through it all.
And I will live in the house of the LORD—forever
Then he says that this good, faithful love he has experienced will continue—not only in this life, but for as long as he lives in God’s house—forever. This is the land of promise. The undying lands.
And this is the greatest hope of all: that we will be with him. Personally. Forever.
Join me in reading this out loud today:
The LORD is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the LORD
forever.
Psalm 23:1–6
Bill Herried is a pastor at CenterPoint Church in Tacoma, Washington and is married to the most extraordinary woman on the planet. Together they have 3 adult children and 4 grandchildren. He has been the lead pastor at CenterPoint Christian Fellowship in Tacoma since 2006. He has an undergraduate degree from the University of Washington in Seattle, and Master of Divinity from Corban University in Salem, Oregon—and he loves a good biryani.
Image by David Mark from Pixabay
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