The Comfort of His Goodness & Mercy

As David came to the end of his reflections on what it meant to be a sheep in the LORD's care, he undoubtedly recapped in his mind the loving and protective nature of his Shepherd as they journeyed together. Through the good times and the bad, in plain paths or making their way through the valley of the shadow of death, the thing he could rely on was the Shepherd's care. Never negligent but always diligent. Looking out for the enemies, always watchful for when the sheep strayed, using rod and staff to protect, to rescue, and to draw the sheep close to Himself.

It is no wonder he had nothing to worry about. The nature of the Shepherd was of such that He would do everything in His power to protect His sheep and to make sure they got to the destination He desired for them to be. The journey was not without dangers but it was the Shepherd's responsibility to take care of the flock, and there was no failure in this Shepherd. "Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life" (Psalm 23:6a, Amplified) is the only rational conclusion because the sheep are the beneficiaries of the Shepherd's goodness and mercy.

In the context of the sheep and the shepherd, goodness speaks of rightness while mercy speaks of compassion. The shepherd will do what is right for the sheep while showing compassion at all times. In both instances, goodness and mercy are extended to the sheep. For the child of God, sheep of the Good Shepherd, we are also beneficiaries of His goodness and mercy. God's goodness consists of righteousness, holiness, justice, kindness, grace, mercy, and love. Mercy is the aspect of God's love that causes Him to forgive the guilty and show compassion toward them. It is not something we can earn or deserve; it is extended because of God's goodness and favor.

There are more theological truths that could be gleaned from our text, but for now it is comforting to know that regardless of whatever comes our way, the goodness and mercies of God are available to us and they are blessings we can rely on. As long as we allow Him to lead us and as long as we commit to remaining in His care, He will never leave us nor forsake us. Everything about Him is committed to our good and even when we don't quite understand where He is leading, how He is leading, or why He have us go along a certain path, we are assured of His goodness and mercy along the way. He knows what He is doing; there should be no doubt about that.