God's Peace for Moms (Psalm 23)Sample

“Shall Follow Me”

For moms of littles, it’s comical how few words might be exchanged in adult conversation when the children are present. This is especially true for moms of young toddlers. Most of the time, it’s not an option to sit back and let the newly-walking and ever-inquisitive child roam free. Because there are countless hazards a toddler might fall on or get into, you can expect mom to always be close behind, eyes vigilant and hands ready to intervene while shouting over her shoulder to her friend, “What was that you said?”

When the Psalmist says in Psalm 23:6 that God’s goodness and mercy shall follow him, the idea here is not that God is slowly lagging behind, trying to catch up. The Hebrew phrase translated as “shall follow me” actually means something more like an active pursuit. It even brings with it a sense of aggression. Think: a mom following her toddler around.

As God’s people, we share in the Psalmist’s reality. God, with his goodness and his mercy, is in active pursuit of us. God is relentlessly pursuing our well-being, which is found in the blessing of knowing him and being transformed by him. This means your faith is not riding on your own strength. As 2 Timothy 2:13 says, “If we are faithless, he remains faithful.” Your journey is not dependent upon you holding onto God but God holding onto you.

As a mom, it can feel like so much is riding on you. You are responsible for the life (or lives) of another human being, making sure they are fed and soothed and cared for. In a season where you are carrying so much, remember that your relationship with God is not one more thing you have to carry. Yes, you are an active participant in the relationship, but it is God’s love and active pursuit that serve as the foundation of your faith.

Today, remember that your faith is not another box to check but a relationship to rest in. Know that even when you’re unaware, your Good Shepherd is in constant pursuit of you, following you with his goodness and mercy.