Stop Chasing. Start Following.

Let me encourage your heart today with something that’s been speaking to me louder than a morning alarm clock on a Monday. It’s one of those whispers from God that turns into a roar when you finally pause long enough to hear it.

There’s a scripture that many of us have heard time and time again—Psalm 23:6—“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life…” Now hold on to that for a second. It says follow me. Not maybe. Not sometimes. Not just on Sundays. But all the days. That means goodness and mercy are assigned to you. On your best days, your tired days, your “I don't want to do this anymore” days. They're not up ahead playing hide and seek. They're not dangling just out of reach. They're following you. Right now.

But let me ask you something... why are we always chasing them?

We're running ourselves ragged, chasing joy, peace, happiness, purpose—like they’re some elusive dream that we have to sprint toward with everything in us. We’ve gotten used to chasing—careers, relationships, people’s approval, validation, that “perfect” moment. Even Jesus. Yes, I said it. We chase Jesus, too, as if He's not already walking beside us whispering, “Follow Me.”

Let’s take a moment to sit with the word follow.

To follow means to go after, to walk behind, to be led. When Jesus said, “Follow Me,” He didn’t say, “Catch Me if you can.” He didn’t say, “Strive to find Me.” He didn’t ask you to run yourself into burnout trying to earn what’s already been freely given. He simply said… follow.

There is a difference between chasing and following. Chasing implies what you're after is running away from you. It creates tension, urgency, and the feeling that you’re somehow behind. But following? That’s a posture of peace. That’s a place of trust. That’s walking in rhythm with the One who knows exactly where He’s leading you.

So let me say this loud and clear for the people in the back (and for my own heart too): It’s time to stop chasing what was never meant to be chased.

Stop chasing happiness—it can’t be caught, it’s cultivated.

Stop chasing peace—it doesn’t come from the outside, it’s planted inside.

Stop chasing Jesus—He’s not hiding from you, He’s inviting you.

And stop chasing goodness and mercy. They’re already assigned to follow you. They’re your divine entourage. You just have to get in position.

We are living life backwards. Running after everything and everyone. And it’s exhausting. We chase things trying to feel worthy, trying to feel whole, trying to feel seen. But beloved, you already are worthy. You already are whole. You already are seen. It’s time to shift. It’s time to walk in the identity that was already written for you.

Let this be your realignment moment.

Stop chasing.

Start following.

Let Jesus lead.

And watch goodness and mercy fall into place behind you.

There’s a peace that comes when you stop striving and start trusting. When you finally exhale and say, “I’m done running in circles. I’m ready to walk in purpose.” You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to follow.

So today, from my heart to yours… breathe. Be still. Let go of the chase.

And trust that what’s meant for you isn’t up ahead—it’s already following you.

A little Tonyelle truth for the road:

You were never meant to chase what’s already been assigned to follow you. Stop exhausting yourself. Get in position. And live this life with open hands, an open heart, and your eyes fixed on the One who’s always been leading you.

Now go on and live… really live.

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