Some hold a view of God as a cold and distant dictator, who demands that we chase after his benevolence with many sacrifices and hardships. Those who truly know our God as our saviour and friend, will see something very different. We should pursue God, but He initiates the pursuit, we only love Him, because He first loved us.
When we come into that loving relationship with God, we don’t need to chase after acceptance or things to make us feel good. Instead, we experience goodness and mercy chasing us. This was understood by king David and we see this in the 23rd Psalm.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever. – Psalms 23:6
No wonder David felt secure with God and His power from a young age, knowing his rescue was never far away because God was always near with His goodness and mercy. Without this security, we can feel that only negative things are chasing after us, such as debt, depression, disappointment and failure etc. However, these feelings are mostly an emotional response to our perceived needs and God promises to supply all of those.
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:19
Our biggest fears or sense of lack can seem impossible to get away from. When we look beyond our temporary issues, we see the two things which are really chasing us, God’s goodness and mercy which are able to supply all of our real needs, forgive our mistakes and give us hope. The problems which seek to bring you down today are only for a season, they will pass, but God is always good and His mercies never go away.
Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. – Psalms 107:1
The word good is applied to so many things in our lives, that it’s easy to forget the power and uniqueness of God’s goodness. We call things good, based on what appeals to us or what pleases us at a certain time. However, we must remember that only God is truly good and His goodness is eternal, for which we must give thanks. Jesus reminded a rich young ruler how the understanding of His goodness is the recognition of His godliness.
So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. – Mark 10:18
This goodness which follows us, is not a transient earthly type of goodness, but it is part of the divine nature of God. His goodness is not fleeting or dependant on feelings, but it carries favour, restoration, opportunities, salvation and many blessings. Always remember, in good times and in bad, that God’s goodness is never far away, it chases after us and follows us all the days of our lives.