Find peace and spiritual refreshment in this beautiful instrumental rendition of “Surely Goodness and Mercy Shall Follow Me.” Let the soul-stirring melody remind you of the Good Shepherd’s constant protection, provision, and guiding hand through every season of your life.
The Scriptural Foundation
The inspiration for this timeless hymn is drawn directly from the comforting promises of Psalm 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.”
It further reflects the reality of our spiritual journey, anchoring our minds completely in the Truth of God’s Word—celebrating how Christ finds us in our wandering, restores our souls when we are weary, and safely leads us through the dark valleys to the mansions He has gone to prepare.
Historical Context
Written and composed in 1958 by prolific gospel songwriters John W. Peterson (1921–2006) and Alfred B. Smith (1916–2001), this hymn has served as a cornerstone of faith across generations. Peterson, often called the “major voice of gospel music” in the mid-20th century, perfectly captured the intimate, personal relationship between the believer and the Savior, creating a simple yet profound anthem of lifelong trust.
Hymn Lyrics (Part I)
1
A pilgrim was I and a-wand’ring
In the cold night of sin I did roam
When Jesus the kind Shepherd found me
And now I am on my way home
Refrain
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days all the days of my life
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days all the days of my life
2
He restoreth my soul when I’m weary
He giveth me strength day by day
He leads me beside the still waters
He guards me each step of the way
Hymn Lyrics (Part II)
Refrain
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days all the days of my life
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days all the days of my life
3
When I walk thro’ the dark lonesome valley
My Savior will walk with me there
And safely His great hand will lead me
To the mansions He’s gone to prepare
Refrain
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days all the days of my life
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days all the days of my life
© Copyright 1958 New Spring, Inc.
Ways to Use This Instrumental
This arrangement is designed for deep reflection and high-retention listening:
Prayer & Meditation: Focus on the promise of the Shepherd’s constant presence and daily strength.
Study Background: A non-intrusive melody for focused Bible study or deep reading.
Quiet Reflection: Perfect for creating a calm, peaceful atmosphere for morning devotionals or evening rest.
Deepen Your Journey
If this music touched your heart, explore our full collection of hymns and literary reflections designed to bring peace to your daily life.
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#SurelyGoodnessAndMercy #JohnWPeterson #Psalm23 #ChristianInstrumental #WorshipMusic #PeacefulPiano #MorningPrayer #BibleStudyMusic #TraditionalHymns #ChristianMeditation #ChristianInstrumentalMusic
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- O Praise The Name
- Spirit Move / Have It All
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- I Am Not Alone
- His Eye Is On The Sparrow / Why Should I Feel Discouraged / I Sing Because I’m Happy HisEyeIsOnTheSparrow #HisEye #OnTheSparrow #WhyShouldIFeeDiscouraged #ISingBecauseImHappy #ISing #BecauseImHappy #ImHappy
- Ever Be
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