Verse 6 of Psalm 23 is a very rich verse; it summarizes the entire 23rd Psalm in an amazing way and reveals some very special aspects of David and His relationship with the LORD that we can all learn from.
The first word of Psalm 23:6 is “אַ֤ךְ”, this word can be translated in a few ways such as “but, nevertheless, yet, however, surely, even, & truly”. I chose to translate the word as “surely” but I believe that it is actually a combination of all of the above words.
This word points out to David’s very special and unique relationship with his Shepherd, Elohim. David had the assurance that as long as he was within God’s plan for his life, goodness and grace would not just follow him, but actually pursue him. He had the assurance that as he would continuously abide in Him, God would lead him in “circles” of righteousness.
I cannot stress enough how deeply and profoundly David knew his Shepherd; it was not just a head knowledge, but a deep, personal knowledge. He began the 23rd Psalm with the statement, “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not lack” and closes it with the statement, “Surely goodness and grace pursue me all the days of my life”
David knew his God. He spent time with His God. He witnessed God’s hand move throughout his life. He saw the faithfulness of God in good times and hard times alike.
Can we say the same about God in our lives? Do we see His faithful goodness and grace, not just in good times when all is “as it should be”, but also in the times of challenge, testing, and trial?
Are you at a place where you can truly say in full assurance “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Messiah Yeshua our Lord.” Rom 8:38-39
In closing, I would like to encourage you to search your heart, and be honest about the things that scare you the most, that bring fear into your life. What are the things in your life that you need to let go of, or maybe repent of? What are the things that distract you from your relationship with God? What is keeping you from knowing your God more deeply, and trusting in His goodness? He wants to shepherd you every day of your life so that you, too, can say with assurance that His goodness and grace pursue you all the days of your life.
Shabbat Shalom,
Moran