Lovingkindness

It’s of the Lord.

O children of God, seek after a vital experience of the Lord’s lovingkindness, and when you have it, speak positively of it; sing gratefully; shout triumphantly.

Charles Spurgeon

God’s lovingkindness is eternal, everlasting and without restraint.

Psalm 36:7 “How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.”

I can picture a mother hen spreading her wings out to draw the little chicks in where it’s warm and safe. God also cries out to us to gather beneath His wings and find warmeth and safety.

Finding Refuge in God's Lovingkindness

Bible Passage: Psalm 5:7-12

Summary: Psalm 5 contrasts the wicked who defy God with the righteous who find refuge in His lovingkindness. In verses 7-12, the Psalmist expresses profound dependence on God's mercy and reveals both a plea for guidance and confidence in God's protection.

Application: This passage encourages Christians to seek God's lovingkindness amidst their struggles, highlighting the importance of being grounded in His mercy during difficult times. It reassures believers that God's favor is upon them, an antidote to feelings of inadequacy or fear.

Teaching: The sermon will teach that God's lovingkindness is not just a characteristic but a commitment that He extends to those who approach Him in faith. It will emphasize understanding one's identity in Christ as beloved and chosen.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the broader narrative of Scripture, God's lovingkindness points to His covenant faithfulness culminating in Jesus Christ, who embodies God's grace. Christ's sacrifice assures us of God's unwavering love and mercy, fulfilling the promises made throughout the Old Testament.

Big Idea: We can approach God boldly, relying on His lovingkindness as our refuge and strength in a world filled with chaos and uncertainty.

Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider diving into the Hebrew terms for 'lovingkindness' (chesed) in Psalm 5:7, as understanding its relational depth can impact your congregation's view of God's character. Explore commentaries on the Psalms available in Logos to find differing interpretations on this passage's context within the Psalm. Additionally, look for any related cross-references that link God's lovingkindness to New Testament themes, enriching your message.

1. Enter and Seek Guidance

Psalm 5:7-8

You could focus on the psalmist's decision to enter God's house because of His lovingkindness, starting with the importance of approaching God with reverence and trust. Highlight how God's lovingkindness invites us into a deeper relationship, where we can ask for guidance and find direction for our lives. This section emphasizes the assurance that, even in chaos, God's love guides us in the way we should go. Encourage your listeners to communicate their need for divine leadership openly to God, bolstered by faith in His covenant love that is ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

2. Encounter Evil with Confidence

Psalm 5:9-10

Perhaps, this section could focus on the contrast between the wicked and the righteous, reminding believers of the reality of evil but reassuring them of God’s truth and justice. While wickedness may seem overwhelming, God's lovingkindness shields us. Encourage the audience to remain rooted in God's truth in the face of adversity, knowing that God's covenant love assures us protection. Highlight how, through Christ, we have confidence that evil will not prevail. Teach that God's faithfulness extends beyond our capability, inviting us to trust His deliverance on our behalf.

3. Embrace Joyful Refuge

Psalm 5:11-12

Maybe emphasize the psalmist’s call to rejoice in God's protection, elucidating the profound joy found in His love. Reflect on the blessing and favor given to those who take refuge in God’s lovingkindness, culminating with a focus on Christ as the ultimate expression of this love. Encourage your congregation to embrace this joy as their source of strength, asserting that God’s shield of favor allows them to live without fear, trusting in His promises. Clarify that rejoicing in God’s love transforms fear into faith, powered by Christ's redemptive work.