23 Pt. 22
“…shall follow me all the days of my life” Psalm 23:6 KJV
Many years ago I came to a place in my life where I felt like God had played fifty-two pick-up with my heart. I was at loose ends with ministry and didn’t even feel like I had a church family (I realize now that was mostly from my end not anybody else’s). During that season I actually turned my back on God for a time and decided that if what was going on in my life was truly God’s plan, then I could handle things better on my own, thank you very much!
Have you ever been there?
It was a terrible time. I shut God out and God did what God does with all of His children who come to such dark valleys; He pursued me; He stalked me; He followed me!
And for a while I was ticked because I didn’t want to be followed. I wanted Him to go away. I was mad at Him for treating me “wrong”; But His favor and His forgiveness pursued me… wouldn’t leave me alone even for a minute!
This is what the phrase “…shall follow me all the days of my life.” means. The word is “RADAPH”. It’s the word used to indicate passionate pursuit, even harassment in some cases. It’s the picture of the lovesick boy who won’t leave the damsel alone despite her attempts to discourage his advances.
God pursues us with His mercy and his goodness! Today He is actively wooing me to come closer to Him with His favor and His mercy, because He passionately desires me! ME! I CAN HARDLY BELIEVE IT!
I am so glad He did not give up on me all those years ago. Even when I became faithless, He remained faithful!
How does this phrase challenge or confirm your view of God?
Lillie-Put 
I’m with you, Pastor J–this was all too familiar a tale; and to think it took so long for me to appreciate His passionate devotion to me… God bless you BIG–love, sis Caddo
I am constantly amazed by God’s pursuit of me!
After coming to Christ six years ago I now know that God had been in pursuit of me for many years before I even searched Him out. To think He loves me that much that He will not give up on me. How awesome is that!
It is an incredibly awesome thought. I am floored every time I think of His love!
>> “How does this phrase challenge or confirm your view of God?”
Confirms it – but it doesn’t need confirmation, because the REALITY of His intervention (welcome or not) throughout my life, is without any doubt. Now, I do not say I understand it – far from it – but praise God for the REALITY of the TRUTH. God has called me. He has set His claim upon me. He had adopted me into His own family and He WILL continue His work in me. I can’t believe it, but neither can I doubt it. My God is REAL!
He is real whether we believe that or not doesn’t change it!