The Fierce Pursuit of God’s Goodness - Encouragement for Today - June 17, 2026
The Fierce Pursuit of God’s Goodness
MEREDITH HOUSTON CARR
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“Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23:6 (NLT)
When my son received an unexpected, life-changing diagnosis at 3 years old, I experienced waves of grief. Many of my sources of encouragement — like praise and worship music — fell flat, leaving me untethered and drowning most days.
In that season, certain songs felt like salt poured into an open wound. Songs about God’s goodness caught in my throat as tears seared my eyes.
How do I believe in God’s goodness when I don’t readily see evidence of it in my darkest times?
I’ve spent a lot of time asking this question, and I’ve walked with dear friends who are wondering the same in their own lives. Perhaps you have this question, too, as you face challenges in your marriage, parenting, health, or work. You know all the Sunday school answers, but it’s as if a shield surrounds your soul, preventing the truth you know from reaching your heart.
In these moments, I love turning to the psalms for comfort and wisdom. In particular, the final verse of Psalm 23 gives a much-needed reminder:
“Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever” (Psalm 23:6).
King David, who wrote this psalm, experienced several challenging seasons when it seemed the only thing pursuing him was his enemies! But he took a bold step of faith and chose to believe God’s goodness and steadfast love followed him every single day — even on the days when he couldn’t see it.
In the Cornerstone Biblical Commentary, Mark D. Futato notes that interestingly, the Hebrew word David used for “pursue” in Psalm 23:6 is radap — a word most often used in the sense of an enemy pursuing to inflict harm. But when we relate this to God’s goodness, we see His love isn’t passive or weak. It’s fierce, intentional, and relentless. How beautiful is that?
As fiercely as our enemy, Satan, pursues us during difficulties and trials, our heavenly Father’s goodness pursues us even more fiercely. Sister, He’s running after you with an unfailing love that cannot be outmatched!
On our hardest days, we can follow David’s example and cling to this truth as a lifeline. We can still raise our voices in praise, knowing dark clouds may obscure the sun’s rays for a time, but they don’t negate its presence. We will see the sun again.
Nearly a decade has passed since my son’s diagnosis, and now I sing those praise songs with tears of gratitude. Looking back, I see evidence of God’s goodness and love all over my son’s life.
The same is true for you, my friend. May you choose to believe it even on the days you don’t see it.
Lord, help our hearts believe in Your goodness even when we’re walking through the darkest valley. You are fiercely pursuing us with unfailing love, and we give You thanks and praise! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
It doesn’t always show up loudly. Sometimes it’s just a quiet thought: Why am I here again? That’s what makes harmful patterns hard to break — they feel familiar before they feel obvious. In Don’t Let Go, you’ll learn to recognize those moments and see how God is meeting you there with truth that leads somewhere new. Not pressure. Not perfection. Just a different way forward. If you’ve been craving real change, you can get your Don’t Let Go study guide now from the Proverbs 31 Bookstore and join us on July 13.
ENGAGE
Connect with Meredith over on Instagram for more encouragement and a few laughs. You can also download a copy of her free, five-day devotional, “Standing on the Rock,” on her website.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Psalm 23:4a, “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me” (NLT).
Nahum 1:7, “The LORD is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him” (NLT).
Have you lost sight of God’s goodness? This week, take some time to reflect on a difficult season from the past. Then make a list of all the ways — big and small — the Lord’s goodness pursued you in that season. How can this list encourage you in your faith today? Share your thoughts in the comments.
© 2026 by Meredith Houston Carr. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
