Every action movie has a suspenseful chase scene. Nothing gets the moviegoers heart racing faster than seeing the villain run after the protagonist, or the law enforcement officers chasing the bad guys.
As followers of Jesus, we are being chased too, not by problems or troubles, but of the gracious lovingkindness of our Heavenly Father who looks upon us with loving eyes that only want what’s best for us. Bible scholars say that the last passage of the famous Psalm 23 of King David attests to this. It says:
“Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6
And while it is already heart-warming to know that God’s goodness is following us, the original Hebrew word used to write the word “follow” not just only means walking behind one’s back or taking the same route that the person took. It means aggressively chasing the person as if a predator is running after a prey. Can you imagine that? Our Heavenly Father chasing us to bless us? Can we take a brief moment now to examine our lives when God seemed to be chasing us with blessings so that we could come back to Him and remain with Him?
“How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you.” Psalm 31:19
While the “goodness” and “lovingkindness” that chase us does not automatically equate to material things or us getting what we want like that promotion, lovelife, recognition, or favor, it certainly signifies that God’s loving eyes are on us. That His presence, guidance, and mercy are upon us.
“The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17
Such an abundance of grace means that we will have the peace that this world could not understand. The peace that stays with us even if we are beset with this world’s stresses. The peace that remains with us in spite of difficult challenges, hardships, and relational turmoils. The peace that this world can never buy nor give no matter the extent of staycations, the amount in a bank account, the length of spa treatments, the magnificence of a view, or the opulence of a home.
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3
Let us not outrun God as He tries to chase us with His mercy and lovingkindness. We should instead run toward Him, and allow ourselves to be enveloped in His loving embrace. It is never too late.
“Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!” Isaiah 30:18
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to
ponder on Psalm 23 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Do you feel overwhelmed by God’s grace in your life? Or do you feel like you are running away from His graces? If yes, why?
Conversation with the Lord: Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for being good to me. For running towards me wanting to lavish me with your goodness and grace. for the times I ran away from your embrace, I am deeply sorry. Please give me the confidence to continue abiding in Your presence. Amen.
