In this episode of Formation to Transformation: A Worship Devotional, we slow down and sit with David’s final confession. The word “surely” is not casual. It is confidence language. David is not saying, “I hope.” He is not saying, “Maybe, if everything goes well.” He is saying, “Surely.” Not because valleys never come. He already named the valley. Not because enemies never exist. He already named enemies. He is sure of something deeper.

“Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me.” Earlier in the Psalm, David is following the Shepherd. But here, David says goodness and loving kindness follow him. Mercy here is covenant love, steadfast love, the love that does not quit when you are complicated. David is saying my life will not ultimately be defined by fear, failure, valleys, or enemies. It will be defined by God’s character.

This is not shallow optimism. It is formed confidence. The kind that grows when you look back and realize God stayed, God led, God restored, God sustained, and God was faithful even when you were not.

Then David says, “all the days of my life.” Not only the days that feel easy. All the days. The strong days and the weak days. The clear days and the foggy days. The full days and the empty days. This is a verse for a lifetime.

And then, “I will dwell in Yahweh’s house forever.” This is not mainly about a building. It is about belonging. The house of the Lord is the nearness of God. And the word “dwell” matters. Dwell is home. Dwell is abiding. Not dropping by. Not occasional visits. A life that stays near.

Psalm 23 starts with “Yahweh is my shepherd,” and it ends with “I will dwell.” It begins with provision and ends with belonging. It begins with guidance and ends with home.

Question for today: Where have I been telling myself a story of fear or lack, and what would it look like to let God’s goodness and loving kindness be the story that follows me?

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