"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." – Psalm 23:6 (NKJV)
The 23rd Psalm is one of the most beloved passages in the Bible, and verse 6 is a powerful reminder of God’s unwavering presence in our lives.
It paints the picture of a Shepherd who lovingly cares for His sheep, providing for them, protecting them, and leading them to green pastures. As the psalm concludes, David declares something extraordinary: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.
It’s easy to read this verse and feel comforted by the idea of God's goodness always being with us. But what does that really mean? And how does it connect to Goodness—one of the Fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23?
Let’s explore how the goodness of God not only follows us but also transforms us into people who bear this fruit in our daily lives.
The Goodness of God in Psalm 23
The word goodness in Psalm 23:6 comes from the Hebrew word ṭôb, which means kindness, prosperity, joy, and moral goodness. David isn’t just talking about an abstract concept of “good things happening”; he’s speaking about the very nature of God, which is good in every way.
God’s goodness is more than just an occasional blessing—it is a pursuing force in our lives. The phrase shall follow me in this verse comes from the Hebrew word radaph, which means to chase after or pursue diligently. This means that God’s goodness doesn’t just casually accompany us—it actively seeks us out! As one song writer writes, “Your Goodness is running after me, running after me”.
Even in the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4), God’s goodness is still present. This is a powerful reminder that no matter our circumstances, we are never outside the reach of His goodness.
Goodness as a Fruit of the Spirit
In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Goodness is not just about being a “good person.” Biblical goodness is a righteousness in action, a moral integrity that reflects God’s character. It is not about self-righteousness, but about living in a way that aligns with God’s heart.
This kind of goodness isn’t something we can produce on our own. It is a fruit that grows in us as we walk in step with the Holy Spirit. The more we abide in Christ, the more His goodness flows through us.
How God's Goodness Works in Our Lives
God’s Goodness Transforms Us
When we come to Christ, we experience the goodness of God firsthand. His goodness is seen in salvation, in His mercy toward us, and in the way He shapes us into His likeness. As Romans 2:4 says:
"Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?"
God’s goodness is what draws us to Him. It softens our hearts, changes our desires, and aligns us with His will.
God’s Goodness is Meant to be Shared
Goodness is not just something we receive—it is something we are called to give away. Ephesians 2:10 tells us:
"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."
God’s goodness should be evident in our actions, words, and the way we treat others. When people encounter us, they should experience the goodness of God working through us.
God’s Goodness Sustains Us in Difficult Times
Sometimes, we struggle to see God’s goodness, especially when life is hard. But even in those moments, His goodness is still present. Romans 8:28 reminds us:
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
Even when we don’t understand why things happen, we can trust that God’s goodness is still at work, shaping us and leading us toward His ultimate plan.
Living Out the Goodness of God
Since God’s goodness follows us, it should also flow through us. Here are some practical ways we can cultivate and share goodness as a fruit of the Spirit:
1. Abide in Christ Daily
Just as a tree cannot bear fruit unless it is nourished, we cannot produce goodness apart from Christ. Jesus said in John 15:4-5:
"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me."
Spending time in prayer, reading God’s Word, and seeking His presence allows His goodness to grow in us.
2. Do Good Even When It’s Hard
True goodness is not dependent on how others treat us. Jesus calls us to love our enemies and do good to those who hate us (Luke 6:35). This kind of goodness reflects God’s character and sets us apart as His followers.
3. Be a Light in a Dark World
We live in a world where selfishness, dishonesty, and evil often seem to prevail. But as believers, we are called to be a light. Matthew 5:16 says:
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
When we live with integrity, show kindness, and extend grace, we display the goodness of God to those around us.
Final Thoughts
Psalm 23:6 reminds us that God’s goodness is not just an occasional blessing—it is a constant presence in our lives. His goodness pursues us, transforms us, and calls us to be vessels of His love in the world.
As you reflect on this verse, ask yourself:
How have I experienced God’s goodness in my life?
In what ways can I demonstrate His goodness to others today?
Am I abiding in Christ so that His goodness can grow in me?
May we not only receive God’s goodness but also live it out, so that others may come to know the Good Shepherd who lovingly leads and take care of His sheep.