“Loving kindness of the Lord”

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

The general theme of this Psalm refers to God’s special favor to the Israelites in the restoration from captivity. However, it may be regarded as a celebration of God’s merciful providence to all men in various trials. A call to thanksgiving and praise is the repeating chorus in the Psalm. (See verses 8,15,21,31,43)

How often in the course of life are we dependent upon the kindness of the Lord! Every temporal need including the security of home, the kindness of a friend, healing in times of illness or depression, and the sustenance of daily bread all come from God. In addition to these things, the Lord gives us all of the tools to deliver us from spiritual bondage and the unsound use of our lives.  God mercifully paves the way for the solace of fellowship with him.

Sadly, our view of God’s lovingkindness is often skewed. We want God to make us happy. We want God to “keep the deal that we make with him”. However, according to this Psalm the lovingkindness of the Lord is bringing our heart and our will to be at one with him. This is his blessed and most loving gift. When this is absent, no amount of earthly good satisfies or can make us really blessed. When this is present, no amount of earthly sorrow can rob the soul of its peace and trust. This then is the lovingkindness of the Lord. It is found in a heart that always says to God, “thy will be done“.

Thus, understanding the lovingkindness of God requires a humble heart. The rebellious must be humbled. (vs. 12) The Psalm pictures various situations from the wilderness (vs. 14) to prison (vs.16), to the sea. (vs. 23)  In each scene, the self-trusting soul has turned to one who is meek and lowly. This change is absolutely necessary for there to be true peace with God.

Through the process of God’s discipline and word, his lovingkindness can humble the proud heart. It convicts one of sin and removes the spirit of self-sufficiency. Those who yield will find true contentment with God.

We can never measure what we owe to God for his daily lovingkindness. Indeed, it is only the wise who will observe and take account of the Divine source of all human blessings.  Thus, the Psalm ends in this manner: Whoever is wise will observe these things, And they will understand the lovingkindness of the LORD. (Psalm 107:43)

By George Slover

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