Sæktu forritiðThe Shepherd and His Names: Finding God in Psalm 23Sýnishorn
Jehovah-Rohi, Jehovah-Jireh, Jehovah-Shalom, Jehovah-Shammah - "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life" (Psalm 23:6a).
The Pursuit of Goodness and Mercy
Psalm 23:6a says, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." What a beautiful promise! This verse reminds us that God's love, kindness, and blessings are not just occasional but constant. His goodness and mercy are always with us, no matter where we go or what we face.
The word "surely" shows David’s absolute confidence in this truth. There’s no doubt or hesitation—God’s goodness and mercy are guaranteed! This assurance helps us trust in God’s care, even when life feels uncertain. He is our faithful Shepherd, Jehovah-Rohi, who always looks out for us.
God’s goodness is seen in the many ways He blesses us—through family, friends, daily provisions, and most importantly, eternal life. Exodus 33:19 reminds us that God’s goodness reflects His character, full of kindness and grace.
His mercy comes from the Hebrew word hesed, which speaks of steadfast love, kindness, and faithfulness. It’s not something we earn—it’s God’s gift to us, flowing freely because of His deep love. Psalm 136 repeats this truth over and over: "His mercy endures forever." No matter our mistakes or struggles, His mercy never runs out!
The phrase "shall follow me" is so powerful. It doesn’t just mean that goodness and mercy lag behind—it means they actively pursue us! God’s love is relentless. He is always working in our lives, guiding us, protecting us, and showing us His grace. Even in tough times, His goodness and mercy are there, leading us toward hope and peace.
Romans 8:38-39 confirms this promise, reminding us that nothing—absolutely nothing—can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus. That means we don’t have to fear the future because His goodness and mercy will always be present, whether we’re in a season of joy or walking through a valley.
This verse invites us to rest in God’s care. As Jehovah-Jireh, He provides for our needs. As Jehovah-Shalom, He gives us peace. As Jehovah-Shammah, He is always with us. His love never fails, and His blessings never stop chasing us.
So, no matter what today brings, know this: You are never alone. God’s goodness and mercy are right there with you, every step of the way!
About this Plan
In our study of Psalm 23, we will discover how God reveals Himself through His names, each showing us His character and how He cares for us. Each of these names reveals a different aspect of God’s love. He is our Shepherd, Provider, Peace, and Healer. When we embrace who He is, we find comfort, strength, and confidence in His unchanging care. The Lord IS our Shepherd!
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