Caught by Goodness and Mercy— Two2Grow, June 25
Caught by Goodness and Mercy— Two2Grow, June 25
“Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6 NIV
When our kids were young, we lived in a small two-story house that had a very steep staircase, almost like a ladder, leading to the second floor. They were not allowed to climb it alone—Emelie and I were always behind them so that if they fell, they would fall into our arms.
I believe that’s a great image coming out of today’s Scripture. Life is often like being a child climbing a steep ladder, and there is always the risk of a misstep or losing one’s balance. But when we do, we fall right into God’s arms of goodness and love.
Fear of failure often keeps us from obeying God. The “what ifs” plague our minds and immobilize us. But when our eyes are opened to the fact that God is behind us and that if we fall, we fall into Him—fear of failure loses its grip.
Other translations render it as “goodness and mercy.” I love that because the focus on merciful love, in particular, erases the fear of falling into judgment. God will not shame you or punish you for misstepping as you climb closer to Him. It would be as wrong as a parent punishing their little child for misstepping on a ladder.
God is both ahead of you, leading the way, directing every step you take, and pointing out every danger. Behind you, ready to catch you if you fall, are His goodness and love.
I particularly love that our text says this is true “all the days of my life”—not just on Sundays, or on the days when I feel more holy, or when I have prayed and paid my tithe.
Today is one of those “all the days,” meaning that right now God’s arms of goodness and merciful love are behind me, ready to support and catch me. Isn’t that amazing? Glory to God!
Father, thank You for Your goodness and merciful love that are following me today. Holy Spirit, help me realize this in a deeper way. I repent of the fear of failure and trust that You are in front of me and behind me today.
Pastor Mikael Stenhammar, PhD
When our kids were young, we lived in a small two-story house that had a very steep staircase, almost like a ladder, leading to the second floor. They were not allowed to climb it alone—Emelie and I were always behind them so that if they fell, they would fall into our arms.
I believe that’s a great image coming out of today’s Scripture. Life is often like being a child climbing a steep ladder, and there is always the risk of a misstep or losing one’s balance. But when we do, we fall right into God’s arms of goodness and love.
Fear of failure often keeps us from obeying God. The “what ifs” plague our minds and immobilize us. But when our eyes are opened to the fact that God is behind us and that if we fall, we fall into Him—fear of failure loses its grip.
Other translations render it as “goodness and mercy.” I love that because the focus on merciful love, in particular, erases the fear of falling into judgment. God will not shame you or punish you for misstepping as you climb closer to Him. It would be as wrong as a parent punishing their little child for misstepping on a ladder.
God is both ahead of you, leading the way, directing every step you take, and pointing out every danger. Behind you, ready to catch you if you fall, are His goodness and love.
I particularly love that our text says this is true “all the days of my life”—not just on Sundays, or on the days when I feel more holy, or when I have prayed and paid my tithe.
Today is one of those “all the days,” meaning that right now God’s arms of goodness and merciful love are behind me, ready to support and catch me. Isn’t that amazing? Glory to God!
Father, thank You for Your goodness and merciful love that are following me today. Holy Spirit, help me realize this in a deeper way. I repent of the fear of failure and trust that You are in front of me and behind me today.
Pastor Mikael Stenhammar, PhD