NOT FOR THE DEAD
NOT FOR THE DEAD
Psalms 23 is perhaps the most known and most read of all the Psalms in its 150 collection of treasure. We learned it as children and most of us were taught to commit it to memory. It is beautifully packed with words of comfort throughout. Interestingly, I have seen it on more than one occasion giving its emphasis being read at funerals to comfort those of the decease. I, myself, have been asked to read it either at the beginning of the service or at the conclusion. I can understand the emotional lift it gives to those who are mourning; but this psalm was never intended for that. A careful reading will show this psalm is for the living—our living now! It is NOT FOR THE DEAD!
If you haven’t lately, please take the time to read Psalm 23 in its entirety before continuing on in this article. Having done so, consider the last stanza of this beautiful Psalm. In verse 6, we read, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.”
This last verse is a concluding statement that puts the icing on the cake! Let’s notice some wonderful truths the Psalmist leaves for us as we journey in our lives for God!
Surely—That’s Certainty
The only thing that is sure is God! Often times we interpret the surety of God by what He does or does not do. That is, if God does what we desire then He is our certainty. If God does not do what we desire then He is not our certainty. This is a tremendous mistake! God cannot fail! God is everlasting! God is God! We must be very careful not to confuse our circumstances with the benevolent certainty of our God! Get your eyes off your circumstances and get your eyes on the certainty of God! We reiterate, Surely, Surely!
Goodness and Mercy—That’s Company
We all need some company! The kind of company that will sustain us when we fall! The kind of company that will lift us up when we’re burdened down! We need some goodness and mercy! Goodness and mercy capsule the heart of our God! God is good! God is mercy! Think about your life. I would not be writing these lines and you would not be reading them if it were not for the goodness and mercy of God! Am I right about it?
Shall Follow Me—That’s Constancy
We live in a changing world! People change. Jobs change. Money change. Everything but God changes! And isn’t it wonderful here in our text goodness and mercy never give me up? I may not get it right today; but there’s goodness and mercy following me! I may have a setback; but there’s goodness and mercy following me! I may have fallen on my face; but there’s goodness and mercy following me! I may be destitute of my responsibilities; but there’s goodness and mercy following! Thank God the perfections of His heart of goodness and mercy never give up on me!
All the day of My Life—That’s Capacity
All my days! Good days! Bad days! All my spring days, all my summer days, all my fall days and all my winter days, are included! Yes, and some day are all four seasons in one! What more can I ask for? My God is with me all days every day! Who could make such a claim! No one but our God! I saturate myself in the promise! Will you?
It is my certainty, my company, my constancy and my capacity that lifts me from the sinking sand of this life! It is an all-inclusive promise for the living—NOT FOR THE DEAD!
~Stacey Mobley
