Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life ~Psalm 23:6
I had a dog for nearly 10 1/2 years whose name was Riley. She was the best! When I was outside working in the yard she would ride on the lawn mower with me, ride in the pull-behind cart, and follow me around endlessly. I think she felt she was actually helping me. If there were a word to describe her it would be loyal. I realize each of us have some experiences with favorite animals in our lives, but that loyal love is such an encouragement after a difficult day at work or in the community with people. You know you have those days too!
So what does that have to do with today’s devotional? EVERYTHING!
God’s love is steadfast and loyal
David begins this verse with certainty by using the word “surely.” There is absolutely no doubt in David’s mind that what he’s about to write is truth. David writes with great certainty.
When you see the word “mercy” in Scripture it means steadfast love. I know it’s simple, but I could get upset with my dog and my dog would look at me with her wagging tail because she had a steady and loyal kind of love for me.
If you’re going to have a friend in this world you need to have one who expresses steadfast love. This love doesn’t always overlook the hurt of a relationship but it does forgive. A steadfast and merciful kind of love forgives those who hurt you because of the mutual covenant kind of agreement. That is exactly what the Lord does for us.
God, in His infinite attribute of love, is steady and kind. His love is loyal. This kind of love expresses a covenant between two people. This covenant is established when you become a Christ-follower. Have you made that most important decision?
He overlooks and forgives when we need it the most.
This is the kind of love you want to grab and hold. It should hold you. You should hold it so much that it holds you.
God’s love is strong and constant
This kind of love that the Lord expresses to you is a love that will follow you all the days of your life. It is an assuring and everlasting kind of love that you can, without fail, count on when your chips are down. Think about that for a few minutes. Wherever you go and whatever you do the Lord does it with you.
What does this kind of love mean for you today? I believe it means that you have no reason to walk around feeling unloved, unforgiven, or unmotivated. It means resting in the Lord’s love for you in a way that allows Him to constantly shower you with his covenant-keeping, grace-filled, and mercy-saturated love. It is amazing.
God’s love is forgiving
Honestly, it is true that the word love is somewhat abstract. But love for a friend, brother, sister, spouse, and others eventually turns into action. It’s the same way with the Lord. His grace-filled, mercy-saturated love displays itself with forgiveness and encouragement.
Do you realize you have a forgiving and encouraging friend who follows you around to provide those things for you? Does that make you excited to live another day of adventure? Take a few minutes and thank the Lord for His indescribible love.
Some Questions…
- Remember the worst day you’ve had in a long time. Did you sense the Lord’s presence?
- Why or why did you not sense the Lord’s presence?
- How can you rest in the Lord’s unending presence and loyal love?