Disappointment is such a killer to our souls. Proverbs says that hope differed makes the heart grow sick. Sometimes we get disappointed in ourselves, sometimes in others, and sometimes in God, when things don’t work out as we hoped. The life preserver that keeps me afloat in times of darkness is the reality and certainty that God delights in loving me, even when I’ve disappointed Him. Knowing, and feeling cherished by Him is the most important thing in my life. It restores hope and joy no matter how dark things may seem. Psalm 136 has 26 verses, and in every verse the phrase “For His lovingkindness is everlasting.” Each verse has two lines, and every other line has this phrase. It’s as if God is saying through this Psalm, that every other thought should be a declaration of His steadfast love. Let me remind you what this amazing word “lovingkindness” means. It’s the Hebrew word “chesed,” and it means “The God of uncompromised righteousness and holiness’s publicly vowed, and legally bound merciful choice, and determination, to love you with all of His heart; to cherish, delight in, and always pursue the object of His chosen love, without hesitation, and with a God sized resolve to never, ever, let go, no matter what.” This love should dominate our thoughts, and conversation. It’s the foundation of all faith, for “faith works through love.” When we think one thing (perhaps about some struggle, failure, or disappointment, or hurt) the next thought should be ” but His lovingkindness is everlasting.” That’s what Psalm 136 is trying to say. That phrase is a game changer, even in the darkest moment. What a great way to practice His presence. Take it out for a test drive this week, and see if it doesn’t make Hope Float.
