Walking In The Goodness of the Lord
Psalms 23:1 - 6 (NKJV) 1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.
Psalms 23:6 (NKJV) 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life…
The 23rd Psalm reveals blessings, promises, and protection for those who walk in obedience in the goodness of Lord. As we yield ourselves to the Lord as our Shepherd, he guides us in every area of our lives. He becomes our source of strength: spiritually, physically and emotionally.
1. God is the source of all blessings and goodness.
James 1:17 - 18 (NKJV) 17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 18Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.
2. When a people or a nation walk in goodness of God, people and nations take notice.
French politician and writer Alexis de Tocqueville, who was prominent in politics, particularly just before and just after the Revolution of 1848. In the 1830’s he toured America. When his tour had been completed, he made this observation (and I paraphrase):
"I have toured America, and I have seen most of what you offer. I’ve seen the richness of the fields and the wealth of your mines. I’ve seen your industrial might, the beauties of the rivers, the streams, the lakes, and the grandeur of the mountains. I’ve noticed the abundance of the forests and the marvelous climate with which you are blessed.
In none of these things did I see the cause for the greatness of America. It wasn’t until I went into your churches that I saw the reason for America’s greatness. America is great because America is good; and as long as America is good, America will be great. If it ever ceases to be good, it will cease to be great."
That Goodness that Alexis de Tocqueville spoke about, only comes from the Lord.
Proverbs 14:34 (NKJV) 34Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.
Isaiah 32:16 (NKJV) 16 Then justice will dwell in the wilderness, And righteousness remain in the fruitful field.
3. In order for us to see a revival and awakening in our homes, church and nation we must return to with a wholehearted devotion to God and walk in the goodness and favor of God.
God richly blesses those who honor and live in His Word. The Psalmist reminds us in Psalm 103 be mindful of God’s provision in our lives.
Psalms 103:1 - 5 (NKJV) 1Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! 2Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: 3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 5Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
I like how it’s worded in the New Living Translation.
Psalms 103:1 - 6 (NLT) 1Praise the LORD, I tell myself; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. 2Praise the LORD, I tell myself, and never forget the good things he does for me. 3He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. 4He ransoms me from death and surrounds me with love and tender mercies. 5He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!
Conclusion
Today will you accept the challenge to walk in the goodness of the Lord and allow His Blessing to flow through you to bless others around you? To allow God to use your life to be a blessing and an instrument to bring a revival, renewal and awakening to others.
