Pursued

What makes the psalms most endearing to many is how relatable they are. David's transparency in his relationship with God is something that we can find comfort in and learn from. Psalm 146 contains such an example,

Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low! Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me! ¹

In the dark times, when our enemies are pursuing us, following doggedly close behind, we find that there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother, one whose goodness and mercy are also pursuing us. With a diligence and intent that surpasses that of our enemies (whoever or whatever they may be - and this includes the enemy of self), the Lord's vigilant pursuit of us continues faithfully for all our days. It is interesting that the Hebrew word for persecutors or pursue or chase in Psalm 146:6 is the same word translated as "follow" in Psalm 23:6,

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life ... ²

His pursuit of us is relentless. He chases us down with the promise that he will bring us home.

What we pursue is important. While praying for relief from our trials is appropriate, we must remember that our reward is not the cessation of life's challenges. He is our portion; he is our reward. There is a temptation in thinking that heaven's appeal lies in the absence of pain - and that is appealing and warrants hope and joy - but our ultimate lot, our final destiny, is his presence.

Can I ask you to consider that one of the ways the Lord chases us down, pursues our heart so to speak, is through our trials? The very enemy at our heals may be the very thing God uses to bring us close to his heart. Can I say that? The Lord is behind us; he is before us; the help of his presence surrounds us - even in the midst of our trials, and he works all things for good.

You can be assured that he will not leave you alone in the battle. And in the end, on the threshold of our heavenly home, when we look around and find that the enemy has dispersed and is no more, when we realize that great and final relief from our trials, then we will see that the one whose mercy and goodness had been chasing us down all our lives is still with us.

Scripture References

¹ Psalm 146:6

² Psalms 23:6 - 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.