Are Your Enemies Following You?

When I was a little girl, I was challenged by my babysitter to memorize Psalm 23.  I had a very vivid imagination.  As I recited Psalm 23: 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.”), I envisioned a nice lady named Shirley Goodness and her husband, Mercy following me around.  In my mind, this couple’s job was to keep me safe so that I could live forever “in the house of the Lord”.  At the time, my home was not a place of peace or joy.  

I am no longer a child and I live in a very peaceful home.  Yet, I still have enemies that follow me:  anxiety, fear, pride, and unforgiveness.

For my 65th birthday, my adult children presented me with a Bible in which they wrote special notes in the margins.  My oldest daughter, Christi, has heard me tell the story about Shirley Goodness and her husband, numerous times.  Christi wrote the following in the margin next to Psalm 23:6:

“No matter what else follows us, His goodness and mercy are faster.”

How do we allow His goodness and mercy to outrun our enemies?  

• Acknowledge, as David did, that the Lord is your shepherd.  Shepherds lead, guide and make decisions about what is best for the sheep.  When we attempt to control our lives, we tend to make a mess of it.  When we trust our Shepherd to lead and guide us, we will rest in Him.  (Psalm 23:1-2)

  
  

• Allow your soul to be restored.  Living a busy life with no room to be still and quiet before the Lord, only leads to burn out.  Sit with Him daily.   (Psalm 23:3)

  
  

• Walk in the knowledge that when God empowers you to do the right thing or accomplish something for His kingdom, it is not for your glory but for His.  Pride is a dangerous enemy.   (Psalm 23:3)

  
  

• Choose faith over fear when difficult people or circumstances confront you.  He can use anything as a rod and staff to direct you.   Take comfort in knowing this truth.

  (Psalm 23:4) 

• Receive the table of abundance that He will set before you in the presence of your enemies.  You can eat of His love, joy, peace, kindness, and forgiveness instead of hatred, resentment, bitterness, and anxiety.  The Holy Spirit will allow your cup to overflow to those around you when you eat at His banquet table.  (Psalm 23:5)

  
  

Whatever is following you today, rest in the truth that “Shirley Goodness and her husband, Mercy” are following you faster than your enemy and if you choose Him as your Shepherd, you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.