Psalm 63:3-4 – “Because experiencing your loyal love is better than life itself, my lips will praise you.  ⁴ For this reason I will praise you while I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.”

As I read, prayed, and mused on the Word of God today, I was encouraged beyond measure and convicted deeply.  The declaration of Psalm 63:3-4 caused me to stop and reflect on the truth therein.

“Because Your lovingkindness (chesed) is better than life, my lips shall laud You. Thus, will I bless You as long as I live: I will lift up my hands in Your name.”

Lovingkindness?  That is a captivating word.  The word sounds refreshing and mysterious.   It is the Hebrew “chesed” – Mercy!   But it is more than mercy.   It is an extravagant act of divine kindness motivated by agape!  It is arresting mercy that penetrates all darkness and dispels all fear and doubt.  It contains the motivation of the gospel (restoration).

If embraced and understood, it defines grace!  It consumes and becomes more important than life itself because it reveals God’s heart!  From it flows spontaneous praise!

In verse 6, the Psalmist gives a pathway to perpetual peace and revelation.  “When I remember (call to the forefront of the consciousness or mind) You on my bed, I meditate on YOU (not God’s acts but God) in the night watches.”

At the conclusion of the day, after all the busyness and chaos we bring to the forefront of our consciousness, GOD! 

• The Living God whose Chesed is better than life itself!   
• The Living god whose mercy is beyond limit.   
• The Living God, whose love surrounds us and elevates us into His presence, is our focus as we drift off to sleep.

It allows our spirit to meditate on GOD!   Imagine going to bed every night with the last conscious thought, the person of God!  Imagine the incredible downloads that could come as we sleep in Him and awaken to the conscious reality of His incredible lovingkindness (mercy).  How could we do anything but praise Him with overflowing gratitude?  How could our lives not be a witness and testimony of love?

Psalm 65:4 is becoming a go-to passage of encouragement for me.  “How blessed is the one whom You choose and bring near to You that he would dwell in Your courts.  We will be satisfied with the Goodness of Your House, Your Holy Temple.”    Wow!   We are chosen, brought near to come in and reside in Him, living completely satisfied lives!  What a promise and place!  My cry is, “Make it so, LORD.  Make it so.”

LORD, help us to embrace Your Lovingkindness and be Transformed!