His lovingkindness is shown to those who have a true relationship with Him by faith ~ Bob Hoekstra

David Relying upon the Lord's Lovingkindness

Show Your marvelous lovingkindness…Oh, continue Yourlovingkindness to those who know You…Because Yourlovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praiseYou…Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust. (Psalm 17:7; 36:10; 63:3; and 143:8)

There are many reasons why David is a wonderful Old Testament example of God's people living by His grace. Previously, we saw that David confessed the Lord as his strength and his refuge. "The LORD is the strength of my life…God is a refuge for us" (Psalm 27:1 and 62:8). In our present verses we see David relying upon the Lord's lovingkindness.

Lovingkindness is an Old Testament term that is closely related to the New Testament term, grace. It speaks of God's zealous, loyal,steadfast love toward His people. It includes the truth that God ismerciful (that is, He provides a way to hold back from us the judgment that our sins deserve). Yet, it goes beyond that wonderful fact. Lovingkindness also includes God's goodness (that is, His commitment to do good things for His children day by day, supplying whatever is needed in our lives).

Much insight into (and appreciation for) this truth is found in David's frequent reference to God's lovingkindness and his reliance upon it."Show Your marvelous lovingkindness." David had a deep desire that the Lord would demonstrate the wondrous reality of His lovingkindness through David's daily walk. He knew that the Lord's lovingkindness made life what God intended it to be. "Because Your lovingkindness isbetter than life, My lips shall praise You." David praised God for His faithful goodness toward him, which was far better, and far beyond, merely enjoying the natural things that life offers to all who exist. The Lord is good to all who live on this earth. "He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on theunjust" (Matthew 5:45). However, His lovingkindness is shown to those who have a true relationship with Him by faith. David wanted this supply of God's goodness to be the resource for his own life—and for all of God's people. "Oh, continue Your lovingkindness to those who know You."

David sought the Lord for the work of His lovingkindness at the beginning of each day. "Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in themorning, For in You do I trust." As the Lord poured out His loyal, steadfast love, David gave glory to the Lord among His people. "I havenot concealed Your lovingkindness…from the great congregation"(Psalm 40:10).

Dear Lord of lovingkindness, I thank You for Your loyal, steadfast love toward me through the years. You have had mercy upon me. You have shown great goodness toward me. Help me to point others to Your marvelous lovingkindness, Amen.