Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Ps 23:6)

Life is wonderful when we focus on God. There is peace, joy, and contentment in the house of the Lord. When we value our relationship with our good shepherd more than anything else, we can attain a life free of want.

The Lord Jesus says, “If you ask anything in My name, I will do it” (Jn 14:14). “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you” (Jn 15:7). This is the promise that Lord Jesus gives to those who do whatever He commands (ref. Jn 15:14).

Seeking a life of everlasting peace and joy is the goal of a sojourner in the pilgrimage of faith. This is possible even before we reach our heavenly home. God gives us a foretaste of Heaven with His loving abidance and abundance in this life. The Lord Jesus promises His followers to ask what they desire and He will give to them.

When we are filled with the Holy Spirit and keep His words rooted in our hearts, our desires will be in line with His heart. We can be assured that goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our life. “…If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word, and My Father will love him and We will come to him and make Our home with him” (Jn 14:23).

Gaining Christ was what Apostle Paul strived for (Phil 3:8). The psalmist wrote, “My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the Lord; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God” (Ps 84:2). Being in God’s presence brings great joy and satisfaction – a life free from want.

What a great blessing that Christ lives in me! Whether through the green pastures and the still waters, or through the valley of death, or in the presence of enemies, I know He is always there.

Questions for Reflection

1.      How is your relationship with God? Do you feel His daily abidance and guidance?

2.      The kingdom of God is righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom 14:17). Have you experienced the kingdom of God growing in your heart and at church?