Mom and I were sitting in her kitchen one morning a few years back enjoying a simple breakfast together. I asked her, Mom, what is your favorite Bible passage? She didn’t hesitate, “Psalm 23”.

There is so much that I too love about the very familiar Twenty-third Psalm. The more I read and meditate on its truths, the more encouragements I hear from God.

My Mom

The engraved stone that rests on our fireplace hearth above was a gift to me from two friends after Mom moved to heaven. On the stone, Psalm 23:1 is in the New Living Translation. My shepherd supplies ALL that I need!  Often in the mornings I sit in our overstuffed chair that faces this stone and pray, God, what are my needs that You want to supply today? It isn’t too long before I hear His whisper.

Sue, will you trust me for that hard conversation you’re anticipating?
Sue, will you allow me to lead as you lead Bible study today?
Sue, will you listen for my wisdom as you make that decision?

Several weeks ago I was pondering verse 6, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,” The thought came, I only know what is following me, when I turn around and look back. Looking over my shoulder I see God’s goodness in many ways. He led in that crazy decision to go to Michigan for college; His Word was clear to both Bill and me as we sought His counsel on our friendship turned marriage; His presence was a gift as the tears flowed in many situations. God’s goodness and mercy have been abundant. Because they have followed me, it’s easy to expect they will continue to follow me.

Recently I was connecting with my friend Melody. She and I did a TrueFace study together.

I asked her what scriptures speak to her about being beloved. I was surprised when she responded “Psalm 23, especially in The Message or The Passion Translation.”

Me & Melody

“Your beauty and love chase after me
every day of my life.”
Psalm 23:6, The Message (underline mine)

“Only goodness and tender love pursue me
all the days of my life.”
Psalm 23:6, The Passion Translation (underline mine)

The New Living Translation, also uses the word pursue. “Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life.”

Not only does God’s great love follow me, God chases after me and pursues me with His love! YES, Psalm 23:6 speaks loudly, it shouts God’s love for me, for you.

I John 3:1 is one of my favorites about God’s love for me.  I’m wondering, what are some of your favorites? What does it look like for you to listen to their truths?

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“She must abide with this epiphany, let it distill. She could not go rushing about, stuffing it into her spacious compartment of Reason.” from My Beloved, by Jan Karon. What does abiding in God’s love, letting it distill look like for you?

You might want to check out the music video, Still Waters by Leanna Crawford.

Copyright: Sue Tell, November 2025