UNDERSTANDING GOD’S LOVINGKINDNESS

“Whoever is wise will observe these things, and they will UNDERSTAND the LOVINGKINDNESS of the Lord” – Psalm 107:43

UNDERSTANDING GOD’S LOVINGKINDNESS is an added virtue of the Wise: “Whoever is wise will observe these things, and they will UNDERSTAND the LOVINGKINDNESS of the Lord” (Psa.107:43). Psalm 107 comprises “these things” that help us understand God’s Lovingkindness. The instruction: “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good! For His mercy endures forever” or “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!” occurs five times (vv.1, 8, 15, 21, 31). The words “mercy” in verse 1 and “lovingkindness” in verse 43 are the same Hebrew word, appearing six times, four of which are translated “goodness” in the repeated refrain.

This Hebrew word comes from a root that means “to bow.” In His Lovingkindness, God Himself “bows,” as it were, the Creator stooping to intervene in the lives of His creatures. The psalm draws attention to several types of people on whom God’s Lovingkindness had been poured. The last section, which is today’s devotional text, presents a series of areas of God’s control over: water and land (vv.33-35); human settlements (v.36); crops and livestock (vv.37-38); governments (vv.39-40); and families (v.41). All of these indicate that God is able to do anything, and He often delights to display His lovingkindness in astonishing ways. He is able to overcome any obstacle, calm any storm, and bring good from any situation! No wonder the psalmist burst forth in the recurring refrain.

God’s displays of His Lovingkindness would not be understood at a glance, or by a hasty and cursory observation. All who would take time to examine them would see in them such proofs of goodness that they could not fail to conclude that God is worthy of trust and love. The wise person has a proper understanding of things, or is disposed to look at them aright. In this context, the wise person is attentive and watchful to see God’s Goodness in all of life’s circumstances, and understand this to the point of praising Him, trusting Him, and delighting in the demonstrations of His Lovingkindness: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God...” (Rom.8:28).

To understand the Lovingkindness of the Lord implies perceiving to the point of conclusion that God is Benevolent and Merciful – Full of Mercy; that He seeks the welfare of the Universe and the Inhabitants; that He desires the good of all; that the whole system is so designed and detailed as to secure the greatest good. No one can study the Works of God, or mark the events of His Providence, without perceiving these. Beloved, as we are observant to 'see' the proofs of Divine Benevolence, let’s wise up to God’s Lovingkindness – His Mercy and deep Love – to us, and show our appreciation by worshipping Him more: “The righteous see it and rejoice, and all iniquity stops its mouth” (v.42).