## Psalm 23 Study, Part 5

## Psalm 23:6

In our study of this familiar psalm, we have found a number of encouragements given to us by the Holy Spirit as David penned these words so long ago. They are just as fresh and just as encouraging to us today.

We have looked at each of the verses and have seen that David has described for us the Lord as the Shepherd who protects and provides. The One who provides us with rest, refreshment, and restoration. He is the One who restores us and comforts us when we face the uncertainties of life. He provides for us in the midst of trials and difficulties, He enables us to serve Him, and He supplies abundantly more than we need.

Tonight we want to look at v6 and two final thoughts that David gives to us as we close out our study in this psalm.

I. "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life..." NOW

A. Goodness and mercy are attributes of God.

1. Goodness - meets our needs / Mercy - forgives our faults

2. Goodness - cares for the temporal / Mercy - cares for the spiritual

3. Goodness -- bounty of God / Mercy - love of God

4. Goodness -- leads to repentance / Mercy - leads to regeneration.

5. Goodness - convicts us of sin / Mercy - offers regeneration.

6. Goodness - caused the prodigal to come back home / Mercy - ran to meet the son.

7. Goodness - is God's hand / Mercy - is God's heart.

B. Surely = without a doubt.

1. It is an exclamation of confidence.

2. Not self-confidence, but Christ confidence.

C. "All the days."

1. Spring days and summer days.

2. Autumn days and winter days.

3. Sundays and fun days.

4. Week days and weak days.

5. Sunshine days and shadow days.

6. Peace and peril days.

7. Rest and rush days.

II. "...And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." ETERNITY

A. "Dwell" means to abide, remain, settle, continue.

1. "Here we have no abiding place."

2. When we come to the end of all the days of our lives, then what? 3. "House of the Lord forever."

B. "House." = dwelling place.

1. This is a house, not a tent.

2. This is a home, not a hotel.

3. A home for the people of God; a home in the presence of God.

C. "Forever". For all eternity.

1. Eternal life has no ending.

2. Once we have it, we cannot lose it...if we could, then we must have never had it!