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

I once heard of an old farmer who had three dogs. He named them Surely, Goodness, and Mercy, because they followed him everywhere all the days of his life.

As sweet as that is, it paints the wrong picture.

God’s goodness and mercy don’t tag along behind us
like a good little puppy dog.
Oh no.

The word “follow” means “to chase after, to pursue.” Think of a bloodhound hot on your heels and you’re closer to the truth. We are pursued by goodness. We are chased by mercy. They are hunting us down.

Even though Absalom was in full pursuit of his father’s life and his father’s kingdom, when David looked behind him, all he saw was God’s goodness and mercy.

The valley taught David some valuable truths:
He had a Shepherd who was out in front, leading him.
The Shepherd’s good gifts were closing in behind.
He was in the right place.

 “You hem me in behind and before.” Psalm 139:5 (NIV)

I look behind me and you’re there,
then up ahead and you’re there, too –
your reassuring presence, coming and going.
(Message)

“All my life you have been faithful.
All my life you have been so, so good.
With every breath that I am able,
I will sing of the goodness of God.
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me.”
Goodness of God, Bethel Music