LOVINGKINDNESS BETTER THAN LIFE

What exactly did David mean by these words? He meant that nothing that life consists of in ordinary earthly experience, however enriched by the joys of family and social life, by wealth and travel, by power and influence, by art and recreation, by ability and achievements; none of these things could compare with the bliss of experiencing the lovingkindness, the steadfast love of God. Now it is one thing to know this, but another to prove it.

How may we prove the truth of David’s words? Initially, by following his example. The striking words in verses 1, 2 describe how he had sought the knowledge of God, “O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is”. David reveals his commitment to pursue after God, and we must take up that pursuit. Each day (preferably in the early morning) we must make time for unhurried communion with God in prayer and for the thoughtful reading of His Word. Achieving this will justify any sacrifice.

David’s inspiration was the vision of God, as he writes in verse 2, “I have seen thee in the sanctuary”. Not literally, of course, for “no man hath seen God at any time”, John 1. 18. It is He “which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see”, 1 Tim. 6. 16. But David was looking back to occasions in the sanctuary when the unseen God had become visible to faith’s vision. Those glimpses, however transient, had so enraptured him that he thirsted and longed for more. And he would be satisfied with nothing less.

For us, the glory of God is revealed in the face of Jesus Christ, 2 Cor. 4. 6. That glory will dawn upon us increasingly as we saturate our minds in the Word of God, and especially in the Gospels. There we may see Him at close quarters, and hear His matchless teachings. The Son of God on earth, growing through infancy, boyhood and youth into manhood and ministry, compassion personified as He eagerly spread His blessings abroad and met every form of human need—He should eclipse and surpass any competing interest in our daily lives.

“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings”, Phil. 3. 10.