Surely

“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)

Arriving at hospital in labour, my preferred Obstetrician was not rostered on. But then as I was being admitted I heard her cheery hello and she walked into my room. She had just popped into the hospital to check on a patient and had learnt I was there. The next thing I knew she was scrubbing up to assist with the delivery.

Coincidence? I’d say actually orchestrated by a loving God! One of my lasting memories of the birth of our baby with the complications that ensued, is of her bright smile and encouragement that my baby would be okay. In the midst of the busyness that is the operating theatre this Doctor gave me courage and hope. God knew what was before me and prepared the way with someone who was looking out for me.

We often quote Jeremiah 29:11 when we’re thinking about our future – ” “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ” It’s a great Scripture to hold onto especially in times of worry and concern over our future. Often though we hold onto it for those events that are weeks, months and even years down the track. But it also holds true for our very next moment, the next minute. God is always watching over us, taking care of us. He has plans to prosper us or in other words to give us peace in our daily lives.

God knew what I would be faced with in that Delivery Room and His love shone through a Doctor who gave up her Saturday night to be there for me. And one whose smile and encouragement brought grace and peace into the room.

I can therefore declare that “surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”