Devotionals from my Bible app: The Shepherd’s Promise (Psalm 23:6)

Note before sharing the devotional: This next batch of devotionals really spoke to me when they were appearing in my daily feed. Usually I have commentary. Ever since I reached a point of recognizing my deep need for repentance and forgiveness, I’ve been focusing more on the words that I need to hear rather than the words I have to say. I anticipate that eventually I will be back to commenting, but not now. Until then, I pray that this devotional blesses you and that, if you’re already saved, this strengthens your faith; and if you haven’t yet received Jesus Christ as your King and Savior, that you will be encouraged and prompted to take that step. It’ll be the best thing you ever do in your life.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

All the days of my life;

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord

Forever. 

Psalm 23:6, NKJV

The Shepherd’s Promise


Psalm 23 is a poem about God as our Shepherd. It’s all about how God knows what's best for us. He knows who we are and the paths we should walk in life. Because He is our Shepherd, He also is our Protector—guarding us from evil.


At the end of Psalm 23, there is a promise for 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."
Psalms 23:6 NIV


What does it mean that God’s goodness and love will follow us?


It doesn’t mean that life will go according to our plans. It also doesn’t mean life will be free of pain and problems. Psalm 23:4 tells us that we will still have to walk through dark valleys.


Here’s what it does mean: God will always be with us. God will always be good to us. Life may not always be easy, but God promises to always be good.


It also means that nothing can take God’s love from us. God’s love will always be there, just like Paul says in Romans 8:38-39. We don’t have to fear disappointing God or losing Him. He promises never to take His love and goodness away from us.


Because of these truths, the writer of this Psalm says that his desire is to be with God in God’s house forever. We ought to desire the same thing as well. It’s because of God’s goodness and love that we will one day join Him in heaven to be with Him forever.


Take some time today to consider God as your Shepherd, who cares for you and protects you. Thank Him that His goodness and love will never end but will follow you every day of your life.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.23.6.NKJV

Be encouraged: Life isn’t always easy, but God is always good. No matter what you are facing, He is worthy of your trust.

Share your faith: One way to consistently remember God’s promises is to consistently stay in His Word. Who can you invite to join you in reading the Bible?

Prayer: God, thank You for always being good. Sometimes I worry, but I know that—with You—I am safe and protected. Please help me to notice the ways in which You lead me each day. I want to live a life that honors You! Thank You for loving me and allowing me to have a relationship with You. I give You my future, knowing it’s in good and trustworthy hands. In Jesus’s name, Amen.