The Lovingkindness Of God Series

*OASIS WORD DIGEST*

20th September 2023

Bible Passage: Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift my hands in thy name. Psalm 63:3-4 (KJV)

*Oasis Word For Today*

Dear friend of God, I am suggesting to you that you do not have any reason to praise and worship God for the rest of your life. Do you or do you not?

Well, in this passage David tells us why he will forever praise the name of the Lord all his years of life on earth. He cited God's lovingkindness as his sole reason and even added that this lovingkindness of God is better than life. But why would David jump to that conclusion and swear to keep praising God for his entire life?

Enemies are out to destroy both his life and reputation. They spread rumors about him and make attempts on his life. He was forced into exile in the arid desert of Judah.

Though David suffers from a lack of water and protection, he uses these needs to reflect on his more desperate need for God. He knows God can quench his thirst better than any spring. In his longing, he remembers the times when he saw God's glory and power.

He saw God fight on his behalf in battle. And he experienced God's blessing and presence when God's ark was stationed in his city (2 Samuel 5:24).

David is confident that he will spend all his life praising the generous hospitality of the God who satisfies him so fully.

To him, God is not only a strong protector but a beautiful lover. Despite his circumstances, David does not concern himself with self-preservation. God has always helped him when he needed it. And he trusts God to continue to shelter him from the desert heat and hide him from his enemy's eyes.

According to the Psalmist, we are to offer constant praises and worship to our God because of His "lovingkindness". This statement suggests that God by nature is loving and kind.

The Hebrew word most often translated as “lovingkindness” is "checed", which literally means “covenant loyalty.” Most newer English translations of the Bible substitute more common English words such as faithfulness, unfailing love, mercy, or good favour.

Checed or lovingkindness, as it relates to the character of God, is most often used to describe God’s heart toward those who are His own.

Lovingkindness is God’s kindness and steadfast love for His children, especially evident in His condescending to meet our needs.

In Scripture, God shows His lovingkindness in saving His children from their enemies and delivering them from their troubles.

His lovingkindness comforts us, redeems us from sin, and assures us of His promises (Deuteronomy 7:9; Nehemiah 1:5; 2 Samuel 7:15; Psalm 18:50).

What is your focus in life? Is your focus on the creator or the life battles and situations at hand? David had no reason to focus on his enemies who were bent on doing anything to stop him from becoming the future king of Israel as promised by God.

David holds on to God's promise that, one day, he will be king (1 Samuel 23:17). He knows God will not let his chosen king be exiled forever. He knows God will soon silence the lies his enemies throw at him.