Goodness and Mercy Shall Follow

When you walk along the Gulf waters, you can be assured that the waves will continually pursue you. If you were to stand in one spot that looks safe for very long, the tide will come in and rush over your feet or knock you down. We have a choice though. Some may never want to step foot on the sandy shore at all. Some may want to dip their foot in but still keep at a distance. Others like myself want to run towards the waves and ride them in on a boogey board.

   In most Bible versions of Psalm 23, we read that “goodness and mercy shall FOLLOW me all the days of my life …” but the Hebrew Bible translates “follow “ as “pursue”. Pursue means a relentless seeking as compared to simply walking behind. The waves are like that- relentlessly rolling towards the shore. It remains our choice if we want to zealously dive in or run the other way. But as our Pastor used to say, “The hound of heaven is always pursuing you.”

So Paul instructs young Timothy ,

“But as for you, O man of God, …aim at and pursue righteousness [true goodness, moral conformity to the character of God], godliness [the fear of God], faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness.”1 Timothy 6:11-12 In other words, grab the boogey board and run towards the surf. Christianity is a wild ride when you catch the right wave.

”He who pursues righteousness and kindness finds life, prosperity and honor.“

‭‭Mishlei (Pro)‬ ‭21‬:‭21‬ ‭CJB‬‬

    The Hebrew name for God, Adonai, means Lord which signifies power and authority. In our submission to His power and authority, we find His goodness and mercy and through His blood, we find righteousness. As we allow His cleansing water to rush over us, we find our home with Him forever. He will never let you drown in a sea of despair.

”But now this is what Adonai says, he who created you …he who formed you…“Don’t be afraid, for I have redeemed you; I am calling you by your name; you are mine. When you pass through water, I will be with you; when you pass through rivers, they will not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire, you will not be scorched — the flame will not burn you. Because I regard you as valued and honored, and because I love you. ❤️❤️❤️

‭‭Yesha 'yahu (Isa)‬ ‭43‬:‭1‬-‭2‬, ‭4‬ ‭CJB‬‬. Amen. 👆👆👆