Great are the struggles of life. Everyone has them, no one likes them. They challenge our faith, consume our thoughts, and make us irritable. We know we need to persist and face forward and believe eventually “the sun will come out tomorrow.” Today I’m going to ask you to do an about face.

Stop and look behind you. Behold! There they are—goodness and mercy! Selah, pause and ponder that. They’re following you all the days of your trying, earthly journey.

Surely goodness and mercy shall
follow me all the days of my life. 
Psalm 23:6a (NKJV)

Life is not easy. The world is tainted by sin. Hardship is to be expected.

• Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation” but He has overcome it. John 16:33
• Paul said, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Tim. 1:7
• Moses said, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deut. 31:6

God never leaves us. There He is with His goodness and mercy, ready to pour it over in and over our lives. Struggling with the death of a loved one? Hang in there, goodness & mercy are about to flow over you. Challenged by accusations or broken relationships? Remain faithful, goodness & mercy are on your heels. Disappointed, distressed, discouraged? Hold on, goodness & mercy are shadowing you.

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6b

Health challenges offered me an unwanted pause and much time to ponder. Mixed in with the frustration was appreciation for an uninvited respite. It’s rather amazing how much you can neglect and life still goes on! One benefit of my recovery time is a renewed determination to pause and ponder—to Selah.

In the coming weeks, I invite you to pause and ponder reflections in the Psalms with me, beginning today with Psalm 1:3:

He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

• Planted—intentionally placed.
• Placed by streams—well-watered and nourished.
• Nourishing fruit—feeding others from its branches.
• Green branches—not withering, but healthy.
• Health and prosperity—for the one who stays planted by the streams of life.

Think about how a prosperous life would look. For some it may be a bigger house, a better car, a larger bank account, more vacations. It could also mean improved health, greater respect, more opportunities. But we all know folks who have all that and are still impoverished.

I want soul prosperity—floods of joy, deep peace within, a hope-filled heart, life with purpose, loving relationships, and God’s blessing on whatever I do. I will be a planted tree that drinks deeply, bears fruit and green leaves… and everything I do will prosper.

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things
and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

3 John 1:2