The Anticipation (James Smith, 1860)

Psalms 23:6

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” 

In looking back, we see that God has been true to his Word — and faithful to his promise. Not one good thing has failed — of all that the Lord our God has promised! All has come to pass. His grace has been sufficient for us. His strength has been made perfect in our weakness. As our days — and we have had long days, dark days, sharp days, days that have made flesh and blood shake and tremble; but as our days — so has our strength been!

Surely 'goodness and mercy' began with us, 
they have always accompanied us on our journey, 
and they will never forsake us all the days of our life!

We can testify, with the psalmist, that "the Lord is good, ready to forgive, and plenteous in mercy unto all who call upon him."

Can God's goodness fail? Impossible! For he is "abundant in goodness and truth!"

Can God's goodness fail? Impossible! For "the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon those who fear him!"

God's mercy found a 'channel' in which to flow to poor sinners — in the person and work of Jesus. God's mercy flowed to us — when we never sought it, nor even thought of it! And shall it fail us now? Oh no! From day to day, even until our dying day — we shall have to say, "Because of the LORD's great love — we are not consumed; for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness!" Lamentations 3:22-23

Sooner may the water in the ocean fail, or the light in the sun fail — than that the mercy of God toward his poor people should fail! His faithful Word is, "I will be with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. I will be with you constantly until I have finished giving you everything I have promised."

And what is that? 

Psalms 84:11

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” 

Joshua 1:5

“There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” 

Psalms 73:24

“Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to

glory.” 

James Smith, "The Better Land"

http://www.gracegems.org/