“Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” (Psalms 23:6, NIV2)

Why do we face adversities? Some are bigger than others and some are almost insignificant, but these too can still be quite annoying at times.

Why had I purchased that razor anyway? It had no batteries, and for some reason I didn’t realize that until I was putting my groceries in the car. I had another appointment, so now I would have to return to this very same store and waste my time in a long line in order to return the item I shouldn’t have bought in the first place. Grrr!

Wait a minute! Is there really any wasting of time if we depend on God’s guidance? I quickly readjusted my attitude. There is always a reason behind whatever happens to us. These are our opportunities to shine for the occasion and discover that truly “goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life”. Muttering and grumbling like a famished grizzly bear is truly a worthless endeavour.

Two hours later I was back with my unwanted razor. While in line, I noticed one of the clerks was having difficulties lifting two returned heavy boxes containing televisions. This was my opportunity to do something about that.

“Can I help you?” I asked.

As expected the clerk answered with a huff and a puff: “I’m fine!”

“I’ll help you anyway!” I concluded.

The clerk was surprised and noticed the cross I was wearing. Never did I receive so much thanks, and as an added bonus, the service to return my latest purchase was faster than ever. Helping others sure makes a difference.

If we want to experience “goodness and love to follow me all the days of my life”, we have to hunger to have that very “goodness and love” innate in us. Only God can fulfill this desire in us.

“Isn’t this a bit too heavy? Let me help you with it!”

Rob Chaffart

(To access the entire “Devotions From the Psalms” devotional series, please click here.)