“Surely goodness and love (mercy) will follow me all the days of my life,”
The Good Shepherd is pleased with us. The Hebrew word for goodness used here is not referring to the goodness of the sheep. David is not saying that he will leave a “trail of goodness” wherever he goes. The word is used to describe “pleasure” or “satisfaction” and, in this case, the Shepherd’s pleasure with His sheep. That’s right. God is pleased with His sheep. He enjoys watching over us and it “blesses” Him to see us thrive as His people. Paul said to the Church in Corinth,
“So, we make it our goal to please Him” (2 Cor. 5:9)
It is good to be pleasing to God! To know that He enjoys the relationship as we do gives us a relationship that brings joy and security. When we sense God’s pleasure it brings a confidence in all we do. We can be ourselves and know that He loves us just the way we are. This “goodness” or “pleasure” of God that follows us allows us to be better servants to those around us also. If we are pleasing to God then we don’t have to try to please others. So, this not only improves the way we live day to day but effects those around us as well. It is written in the Book of Proverbs;
“When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.” (Proverbs 16:7)
Maybe that is why the Apostle Paul always made such a big deal about living to please God and not men. We can make ourselves miserable trying to please others instead of our Shepherd who takes care of us.
“Surely, God’s pleasure follows us”. He enjoys watching over you. He is pleased to have you in His flock. You are not an unwanted sheep…you are a chosen sheep that brings Him joy. Rejoice in that fact today. Receive the blessings that come with His pleasure and…hear His voice as He speaks to your heart this day.