Psalm 23:6 Part 6
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23:6 (ESV)
When Darryl and I were first married we owned a Volkswagen bug. The next summer we decided to drive back to Iowa to visit my family. On the open road we discovered our cute bug did not have enough power to overtake other cars. We had to wait patiently for a downgrade to pass!
We also tried tent camping on that trip. That was a disaster! Ask me about the broken tent heater and the flame that grew to mammoth proportions! In those days we had no money, so we ended sleeping in our little car—a nightmare to say the least!
When we finally reached my parents farm—we were ecstatic! It was late at night. They were fast asleep but we were so excited that after turning into the driveway, we started racing around the tall security light in the center of the farmyard—honking the horn! We had arrived and we wanted them to celebrate with us! Right then, right there our travel weariness melted into gratefulness for comfort, safety and security.
The first five verses of Psalm 23 describe an earthly journey blessed with goodness and mercy because we are under the watchful care of the Good Shepherd. Now, in verse 6, we reach our journey’s end where we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Imagine days without end—perfection of bliss.
In the presence of the Almighty in heaven:
• no enemy can harm you;
• no friend will leave you;
• no sorrow can hurt you;
• no enjoyment will escape you;
• no death can separate you.
Imagine the joyful celebration when you arrive at your final destination! Imagine how your Good Shepherd will welcome you and take care of you—forevermore! Imagine your incredible joy when you behold Him face-to-face—in all His glory!
The Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their Shepherd,
and He will guide them to springs of living water,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
Revelation 7:17 (ESV)