"Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me..." (Psalm 23:6)

The teachings of this Psalm has stressed and emphasized the detailed care and management of the attentive shepherd! They've been shown to us from the perspective of a sheep that's totally satisfied with being under the care and management of his shepherd. They've been given to us from a sheep that's found freedom and complete fulfillment in his shepherd. They've been shown to us from the viewpoint of a sheep that's living through a deep contentment because of being under the direction of a caring shepherd! In other words, the sheep with this kind of shepherd knows with utter confidence that his is a privileged position. No matter what comes, at least and always he can be sure that goodness and lovingkindness will be in the picture! No matter what comes, goodness and lovingkindness will be the provision he receives from his shepherd's loving hands! Praise God forevermore! What a bold statement for the sheep to make. So, the questions become, "how many Christ followers actually feel this way about their Shepherd, Jesus Christ? How many of us are truly concerned that no matter what happens in our experiences we are being followed by goodness and lovingkindness?" In order for this to happen, we must be able to see our lives from God's point of view. It's very easy to speak this way when things are going well. If my physical health is excellent, my income is doing well, my family is well, and the few friends I have are fond of me, it's not difficult to utter the words, "Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life!" But what about when my body is breaking down? What am I saying when I stand by unable to help, and watch someone close to my life die? How do I respond when the layoff notice comes to me, while the bills still have to be met? Brothers and sisters, these are the times that will challenge our confidence in the management and care of our Shepherd, Jesus Christ! When it looks hopeless, and my little corner of the world is falling apart, can I honestly declare, "Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life?" With our limited comprehension as finite beings, we can't always understand the Lord's expert management and care for us. It's at these times, we must by faith, embrace promises like, "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose," (Romans 8:28). As sheep of our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, no hardship can arise, no seeming disaster can enter into our lives without eventual good resulting from it! This is to see the goodness and lovingkindness of the Shepherd in our lives! Your move. Be encouraged!