The Psalmist saved the best for last which is evident here in Psalm 23:6:“Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (NLT) Notice that goodness and unfailing love are pursuing you all the days of your life. Are you looking for them? Do you recognize them as you go throughout your day? In this, there is an amazing truth:
Truth #7: God Secures My Future
Many people spend their lives worried about tomorrow, so much so that they cannot enjoy today. The Psalmist knew The Shepherd and therefore concludes this great Psalm with a statement that allows us to live our lives worry free! He states with confidence that “goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life”. Notice there is no anxiety or fear here, no worry of tomorrow, there is just confident assurance in The Shepherd.
That kind of confidence can only come when you know The Shepherd personally. I watched many times as Grandpa entered the sheep pen and the sheep would gather around him. He could walk through the fold and they would remain peaceful and calm. Yet, a stranger would enter the pen and they would begin bleating and scatter in fear. The difference? The sheep knew their shepherd. The sheep trusted and depended on their shepherd. The sheep knew that Grandpa, as their shepherd, cared for them.
Usually I could not tell the difference between most of the sheep, I never could recognize which lamb went with which ewe. Somehow, Grandpa always knew each of them. Even though they were not all named, he knew which ones belonged to which.
Many times, we feel forgotten. We feel nobody cares, nobody knows us. Rest assured, you are not forgotten. The Good Shepherd knows you and has a plan for your future. “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me…” John 10:14 (NLT)
When you think of your future, what do you see? Are you fearful? Full of doubt? Do you expect good things to come your way or are you always expecting the worst? You can face the future with great expectations knowing that God is the one who secures your future. Begin to actively look for God’s goodness and his unfailing love in every situation in your life. They are pursuing you! He is all you need!
I’ve dedicated, for the last several Life Palette posts, to explore the amazing truths found in Psalm 23 that came to life for me growing up on my Grandfather’s farm in Ohio. He was a simple farmer, a shepherd who raised sheep. Hardly a day goes by when I don’t think of him with fond memories. As an artist I am passionate about nature, I especially love to paint farms and ranches. I’ve included a sheep painting to go along with each of the “Sheep” series posts.
Life Changing Challenge
The last 7 Life Palette post have been dedicated to the life changing words and the truths found in Psalm 23. If you’ve missed a post be sure and check them out in the archives. These truths, and the 30 day reading challenge that accompanies these post, will begin to transform you to live life as the masterpiece God created you to be.
Truth #1: God Meets All My Needs
Truth #3: God Heals All My Hurts
Truth #5:God Is Always With Me
Truth #7: God Secures My Future
Check out this song, by Jon Foreman, entitled The House of God Forever. This song is based off of Psalms 23 and will help to show you God’s love and the peace he gives you.