Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.
Psalm 118:1

This verse is repeated numerous times in the Bible, especially in the Psalms.
It is another glorious thing to be thankful for…the fact that God is a good God and His mercy endures forever. I have had to lean hard on that verse many times in my life. A line in one of my songs says: “My life was so fragmented, my mind was so confused. But I took the broken pieces and I gave them all to You. And much to my surprise, You took them in Your hands. And You gave them to Grace and Mercy, to make them over again.”

Because of God’s intense love for us, through His grace and mercy, He gives us new beginnings. I don’t know about you, but I have had several in my life. I know I’m making it sound like I was some sort of Mafia character or something. Not so. I was basically the same person I am now. But I have made mistakes that could have ‘done me in’ so to speak had it not been for God’s goodness and mercy. And for that I am eternally grateful. The title of the song that the line above is taken from is “It’s Not Enough to Say Thanks”. I not only thank God every day for what He has done in my life, but also for what He is going to do in the future. You see, God’s goodness and mercy is never-ending. It endures forever!

Everyone is familiar with the Twenty-third Psalm. It is known as the Psalm of Comfort and has been read at many a funeral. But one particular line has always stood out to me that pertains solely to life…“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my LIFE!” I have made that my confession many a morning as I contemplate the day ahead. Let me give you an illustration.

I recently had a little puppy dog in my home for a few days. I couldn’t leave the room without him following me. I have hardwood floors and every time I changed locations, I could hear the tap, tap, tap of little feet following behind me. As children of God, we should listen for the tap, tap, tap of goodness and mercy following us at all times. Storm clouds may be rising on the horizon, but everything will be okay because goodness and mercy are following me. My bank account may be getting a little low this month, but it will be alright because goodness and mercy are following me. I’ve been feeling a little under the weather lately, but I won’t get down and out. Goodness and mercy are following me! If I stop for a moment and reflect on God’s love for me, I can feel their presence. And when I move again, I listen for a soft tap, tap, tap, coming from behind.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the LORD
forever.
Psalm 23:6 NLT