HELP!: A 10-Day Devotional by Brandon LakePavyzdys

A key theme in my life, as I’ve experienced an ongoing battle with anxiety, depression, and panic attacks, is that God’s goodness literally chases me down. “When the fight gets long and when the night gets dark, no I won’t lose heart, ’cause you are always holding on.”

God is good. Period. Even in the valley. Even through the pain and the exhaustion and the burdens of life. Psalm 23 says it best: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (v. 4). God is our good, good Shepherd who goes after the one. He’s that Shepherd who loves His sheep with such an untamed love that He laid down His life for them, for us—and through every step along the way, He is right there to guide us and comfort us. “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6). His love pursues us and will never stop pursuing us.

This song is a testimony song for me. Through everything I’ve experienced, the common thread is that God is good. I have breath in my lungs. I’ve been given a second chance today to use my life to give Him glory, to reach people, and to love people. There’s so much to be grateful for.

If you’ve been beaten down and are doubting God’s goodness, I encourage you to speak the words, “God, open my eyes to see your goodness.” Then watch Him work.