Summary

This sermon concludes the series on Psalm 23 by examining verse 6, focusing on the shepherd’s guaranteed pursuit of his sheep and their permanent dwelling in his house. The passage reveals God’s active benevolence (goodness) and steadfast covenant love (mercy) that follows believers all the days of their lives, culminating in the promise of dwelling in the Lord’s house forever. Through Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, believers experience not just belonging but eternal security, knowing that nothing can snatch them from the Father’s hand.

Key Points from the Sermon

• David was confident that God pursues us - ‘surely’ indicates not wishful thinking but certain promise based on God’s character (Psalm 23:6)
• Goodness and mercy represent covenant treatment: God’s active benevolence toward us and His steadfast, unfailing love that never quits
• The Shepherd’s pursuit is vigorous and urgent, like a shepherd searching for a cast-down sheep whose life is in danger
• God’s faithfulness continues ‘all the days of my life’ - through dark valleys and bright pastures, difficult seasons and times of ease (2 Timothy 2:13)
• Dwelling in the house of the Lord means both belonging now as part of His flock and having an eternal home forever (John 10:27-30)
• Those owned by the Good Shepherd should leave behind a blessing wherever they go, like well-managed sheep that restore and enrich the land

Scripture Readings

Psalm 23:6 - The concluding verse that promises God’s goodness and mercy following us and our eternal dwelling with Him

John 10:22-30 - Jesus declares Himself the Good Shepherd who gives eternal life to His sheep, and no one can snatch them from His hand

Romans 8:28 - God’s promise that all things work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose

Discussion Questions

Read Psalm 23:6

1. What does the word ‘surely’ communicate about David’s confidence in God’s goodness and mercy? How is this different from wishful thinking or speculation?

Read John 10:27-30

2. How does Jesus’ teaching about His sheep in John 10 remind us of what it means to dwell in the house of the Lord? What promises does Jesus make about His sheep?

3. The sermon described goodness as ‘active benevolence’ and mercy as ‘steadfast covenant love.’ Why are both qualities necessary for understanding God’s character and His treatment of us?

4. Pastor Orrin challenged us to separate what we’re feeling from what we know to be true. How can we ‘preach the gospel to ourselves’ during difficult seasons?

5. The sermon ended with a convicting question: ‘What do we leave behind where we have been?’ How can we ensure that goodness and mercy follow in our wake as a blessing to others?

Application

This Week’s Challenge: This week, look back on a difficult season in your life and identify how God’s goodness and mercy were present even when you couldn’t see it at the time. Share this testimony with someone who is currently in a hard season to encourage them. Additionally, examine one relationship or area of life and ask: ‘Am I leaving behind a blessing here?’

Prayer Focus: Ask God to help you trust His heart when you can’t trace His hand. Pray for eyes to see His active pursuit in your life and for grace to leave behind a blessing wherever you go.

Memory Verse

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” — Psalm 23:6

Resources

• A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by Phillip Keller