As he wrote the words of Psalm 23, David was able to look back on his life and say, “Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6 NLT). In the same way, as we look back on our lives as Christians, we are able see a pattern of God’s blessing over the years. As the results of sin catch up with those who have had no time for God, we find that God’s goodness and unfailing love have followed us all the days of our lives. Of course, when we’re going through certain situations, we might not be able to see God’s goodness or mercy. We might even question Him on occasion. But as we look backward, we’re able to see God’s hand in a way that we perhaps could not see it before. We see this illustrated in the tumultuous life of young Joseph, who had so many setbacks. Yet so many wonderful things happened in his life. And in the end, he said to his brothers who betrayed him, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good” (Genesis 50:20 NLT). Even if you have wandered from God, He will put goodness and mercy on your trail. The Bible says, “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” (Romans 2:4 NLT). Maybe you haven’t walked as closely with the Lord as you ought to, and you’re not happy doing what you’re doing. Come back to the Shepherd. He loves you and will welcome you with His goodness and mercy. And really, it’s the greatest life there is. Even if there wasn’t a Heaven, the Christian life on earth alone is better than anything this world has to offer. But there is a Heaven. And it isn’t an afterthought or a fringe benefit. It’s our ultimate destination. That is why we can say with David, “And I will live in the house of the Lord forever.” It is certain. Nothing is going to change that. And it has a way of putting everything else in perspective. When the disciples were discouraged, stressed out, and afraid for their future, Jesus told them, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am” (John 14:1–3 NLT). Jesus is coming again. It may be in our lifetime. It could even be today. And ultimately as Christians, we all are going to go to Heaven. That is our great hope. | 
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