Sunday, March 18, 2018

Chased by goodness and mercy...

by Elizabeth Stewart

Psalm 23 is one of those chapters in the Bible that most everyone has heard at some time or another. Perhaps you've heard the saying, "familiarity breeds contempt"? While our familiarity with this Psalm may not breed contempt it may blind us to some of its powerful truths.

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever" is the most common way we've all heard verse six of Psalm 23.  Recent translations more correctly translate the word follow as pursue.  The Hebrew word used there is "radaph".  It means to pursue, run after,  or to chase. Writer Ann Voskamp says that God hunts us down to show us His goodness and mercy.  WoW!  Those are much more aggressive words than the word follow.  God is serious about making sure His goodness and mercy get to us, reach us, and overtake us. God loves us so much that He is chasing us down with His goodness and mercy. What hope, comfort and encouragement that should give us.

still following,




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Posted by elizabeth

10 comments:

  1. Julie HamiltonMarch 18, 2018 at 9:24 AM

    And that mercy is something I need so desperately every day! Love this post - and the rain-kissed rose!

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    1. elizabethMarch 19, 2018 at 2:49 PM

      Julie, I need is mercy each day as well! Thank God that He is very intent on making sure we receive His mercy!

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  2. aspiritofsimplicityMarch 18, 2018 at 12:33 PM

    It's interesting, isn't it, how one word can change the way one reads scriptures? That is one of the reasons I like to read different versions. It helps me to dive more deeply into the word of God.

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    1. elizabethMarch 19, 2018 at 2:50 PM

      I like to read different versions as well! My favorite is the Classic Edition of the Amplified Bible. What's yours?

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  3. Kym March 18, 2018 at 6:57 PM

    Love this! His pursuit shows how much God WANTS to show his love and mercy to us!

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  4. Cheryl McCainMarch 18, 2018 at 10:42 PM

    Lots of food for thought Elizabeth....maybe if the human race would slow things down a bit, we would be able to recognize his love and mercy....and every blessing he bestows upon us every day. Thank you Jesus! I am blessed...even in my human misery. Thank you Elizabeth for being faithful to spread God's Word!

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    1. elizabethMarch 19, 2018 at 2:51 PM

      Cheryl, I was thinking that too...maybe we need to slow down so we are experiencing more of God's goodness and mercy.

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  5. Jenifer MetzgerMarch 19, 2018 at 11:45 AM

    Love this! Thank you for sharing Elizabeth!

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