Surely goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,

This section of Psalm 23 is so fitting for this Christmas season. As Keller begins to wrap up his book, “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23,” he reflects back on the goodness and mercy we have seen the shepherd show his flock. As long as the sheep are with their shepherd, they will continue to receive His loving care. God’s people are always kept by Him, and Keller reminds his readers that this is not all God intended… for as the Good Shepherd pours His goodness, love and mercy into our lives, it is not only for our benefit. What follows after us should be a trail of goodness, love and mercy that we leave with others.¹

Some years ago, I read Ann Voskamp’s book, One Thousand Gifts, A Dare to Live Fully Fully Right Where You Are. What impressed me was the truth that when we recognize with grateful hearts how blessed we are by God, the holy outcome is MORE. Ann’s moto was Be the Blessing.

God told Abraham that he was going to bless him so that Abraham would become a blessing for others. It was through his lineage that the Savior of the world would come. (Genesis 12:2)

Two-thousand and some odd years ago, God’s Spirit moved upon a willing girl so that she conceived and bore God’s Son, Jesus. He was wrapped in swaddling clothes, like the the sacrificial lambs of their day, and he lay in a manger. He was and is the Bread of Life, come to satisfy our every hunger. His entire life was a mission to bring His blessing to us… forgiveness of sins, peace between us and God. He is the greatest treasure ever given, and He is still being received by any who will call upon His name in faith to receive this forgiveness.

Have you traded your little for God’s MORE? His love is everlasting. It never runs out, and it is intended to share.

I have a friend who signs all her letters, ‘Go Bless’. It’s a directive. It’s a goal. Share your joy, this Christ, this Savior, this Good Shepherd who loves you with such an abundant love that his goodness and mercy will never leave you. You are Grace-Full. Go bless! Lets leave a legacy of goodness and love everywhere we go.

Merry Christmas, Dear Ones!

You are loved and treasured. Thank you for walking with me, and for reading along this year.

In His Hands, ~Linda

Photo by Pixabay.com

¹Keller, W. Phillip. A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2007. Print.

Find all 12 Reflections of Psalms 23 HERE.