Goodness Follows Me

After describing Christ as our Shepherd and the results of submitting to Him, the psalmist now states with confidence, using the word “surely” that “goodness and loving-kindness would follow me all the days of my life.” Let’s consider first the word “goodness”. There are several verses in Psalms that help us understand this word.

First in Psalm 27:13 David exclaims “I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” We can recognize God’s goodness in our lives and it keeps us, as His children, from despair. We don’t despair because of the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives and the confidence we have in our relationship with Him.

Psalm 31:19 says “How great is Thy goodness, which Thou hast stored up for those who fear Thee, which thou hast wrought for those who take refuge in Thee.” The goodness of God here is pictured as a bank from which we can draw. The bank holds an inexhaustible supply of God’s goodness. Secondly, it is available as we take refuge in Him. Psalm 46:1 says “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 86:17 says that in God’s goodness He helps us and comforts us.

When we are feeling downcast or discouraged it is beneficial to remember that God’s goodness is always with us? He may take us through deep waters and dark valleys but it is always for our good. His goodness draws us into a deeper relationship with Him. He wants us to depend on Him and trust Him with every aspect of our lives. We can be sure that because God loves us He always desires the best for us and His goodness will always follow us.