Chris Tomlin - Holy Roar: Live From Church Devotional Sample

Chris Tomlin “Goodness, Love and Mercy” Devo

“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful steams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.” Psalm 23:1-3 (NLT)

Every single day of our lives, we are being pursued by the God of the universe. It’s in Him where we can find true rest. In Psalm 23, David describes God as a shepherd—a faithful protector and defender of His sheep. 

David created some vivid images with his words throughout the Psalms. The 23rd Psalm intentionally transports us to the countryside where the grass is lush, the water is calm, and the shepherd is near. This isn’t the only time, however, that the Bible describes God as a shepherd. 

The imagery of a shepherd and his sheep is used many times throughout the Bible to describe the Father and His relationship to His children. John 10 calls Jesus the Good Shepherd, who sacrifices His life for His sheep. Luke 15 tells us this same Good Shepherd leaves the 99 to find the one lost sheep. Over and over, Jesus is described as a shepherd—our source of comfort, our place of rest.

Ironically, David spent a good portion of his life as a fugitive. A jealous and enraged King Saul went after David when he found out there was competition for his crown. As David was on the run, I have to believe there were many times when he longed for rest. I’m willing to bet he wished for nothing more than to find a place where he felt safe. David found refuge in the same place we can find real, lasting rest today—in our faithful shepherd, Jesus.

We, too, are fugitives; and while satan is indeed at work, crouching low, watching our every move, I believe the Lord is the one chasing us. His goodness, love and mercy are hard to escape. Where the Lord is, goodness can be found. He is good. He does good, and He works all things together for the good of those who love Him. That’s a promise.

Surely goodness, love and mercy

Will follow wherever I go

I’m gonna dwell in the house of the Lord forever