When is the last time you had a really good day? The weather was beautiful, everything you did turned out great, and everybody around you was helpful and kind? Ever have a day like that? Nice, huh?
Much of life is a reflection of our perception of things. To the pessimist, the glass is half empty – to the optimist, the glass is half full. You see, life is like a black and white picture and our perceptions of things are the colors we bring to the experience. We’re sitting there with our box of crayons and the choice is ours. Shall I color this bright and lively? Or shall I make it dark and gloomy? Same picture – two different moods. Well, the Psalmist chose bright colors when he wrote the last verse of the 23rd Psalm. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”
The word for “goodness” is the common Hebrew word tov, with means “good” in the widest sense. It is, in fact, a great word, and the Jews use it a lot to refer to things that are beneficial and pleasant and beautiful and excellent.
David used it here at the conclusion of Psalm 23 as he reflected on all of the things that God had done for him, and as he expressed his hope for the future. “Surely goodness…shall follow me all the days of my life.” He was saying, “my life shall be characterized by tov – by that which is good.” The reason, of course, is because God is good. Even though bad things happen (even to the Lord’s people), He has a way of turning it into something good. The Apostle Paul said, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, and are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). So David spoke with confidence,
“Surely goodness…shall follow me all the days of my life.”
Hey – the Lord IS good. So choose bright colors when your color your picture today!