Followed by Goodness

How many of us are truly convinced that no matter what occurs in our lives we are being followed by goodness and mercy? Of course it is very simple to speak this way when things are going well. If my health is excellent, my income is flourishing, my family is well, and my plans are all working out, it is not hard to say, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”

But what about when one’s body breaks down? What do I say when I stand by helpless, as I have had to do, and watch my newborn son fight for his life? What is my reaction when the bills are increasing, but the income isn’t? What do I say when suddenly that new friendship I was building starts crumbling? What do I do when the dreams of my heart just aren’t coming to fruition yet?
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David expresses in this verse that the Lord's goodness will be with him through all the days of his life. Whether green pastures and still waters lay ahead, or David was required to walk through the valley of the shadow of death, the Lord's goodness would accompany him.

A couple of years ago my husband and I tried everything we could to move away from the Atlanta area and closer to our family in North Carolina. We knew God had led us to Georgia for a reason but we were hoping that season was over. I prayed, “God, close the doors that need to be closed, and open the doors that need to be opened.” He heard my prayer, but it looked different than I thought it would. It looked like every door we tried prying open on our own, he shut. It felt like the path God was leading us down was a dark alley and it surely did not feel good.

However, now being on the other side looking back, I can look back and see the benefit and spiritual growth through the journey. We decided to quit trying to move and instead seek God where we were. If we would have moved when we tried to, we would have missed the opportunity to get plugged in with a local church here and embark on a journey that has grown and strengthened our spiritual life immensely.

​Now looking back I can see the compassion in God’s closed doors. Trials can make us more aware of God's goodness and mercy leading to spiritual growth rather than bitterness.

God has used these past couple of years to draw my husband and I nearer to Him, teaching us more about the relationship He desires with us. For me, God has graciously been revealing more and more of my true identity in Him. That is where I see His goodness and mercy following me. Because without that truth, my world would have been rocked last year when we watched our son struggle in the hospital three separate times. For me His goodness looked like the ability to have peace in that storm. I was secure in His promises because of the intentional relationship He led me to build with Him.

With my natural tendencies to fear, worry, and ask “why,” it is not always simple to assume that God really knows what He is doing with me. There are times I am tempted to panic and bolt. But despite this attitude, I am so glad He does not give up. His goodness and mercy are new to me everyday.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” Psalm 23:6a

About the Author

Hi, I’m Jessica Parker! I’m married to my incredible husband, Phil, and together we have two beautiful kids. My husband is an Army veteran so we have moved around a bit but now live in beautiful North Georgia. I enjoy reading, hiking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. I can testify to how life changing walking with Jesus and being in His word daily can be. Therefore I am passionate about helping women find a life giving community and learn more about God's love for them.