God's Lovingkindness

Lovingkindness, a new hymn, written by Matt Boswell, Matt Papa, and Matt Redman; released by Getty Music in 2021 helps us reflect on and sing of the Lovingkindness of God.

LOVINGKINDNESS, luv-ing-kindʹnes (חֶסֶד, ḥeṣedh)

The Hebrew term hesed has been translated using several different English words, such as lovingkindness, steadfast love, and mercy. All these words point us to the Covenant love of God. Hesed is an important attribute of God and is found in over 245 verses.

Throughout scripture we see God’s people praising God for his hesed that endures forever.

• “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever” - 1 Chronicles 16:34
• “When all the people of Israel saw the fire come down and the glory of the Lord on the temple, they bowed down with their faces to the ground on the pavement and worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying, “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” 2 Chronicles 7:3

This is also a repeated phrase in Psalm 118.

• Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Let the house of Aaron say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Let those who fear the Lord say, “His steadfast love endures forever. - Psalm 118:1-4

The key to hesed rests in the close relationship to the “LORD” God’s covenant name. This can be clearly seen in Deuteronomy 7:9, 12.

• Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations. - Deuteronomy 7:9
• “And because you listen to these rules and keep and do them, the Lord your God will keep with you the covenant and the steadfast love that he swore to your fathers. - Deuteronomy 7:12

Seeing the hesed of the LORD should draw us into a deeper love and worship of our covenant God.

Song Lyrics:

Verse One

Let praises now awake the dawn
We'll greet Your mercy with a song
Your people stand and sing for all
Your lovingkindness
You’ve carried us in faithfulness
Upon the paths of righteousness
Our gracious King, You've crowned us with
Your lovingkindness

Chorus

How great is your lovingkindness
Oh God of goodness
Our joy forever to sing the glad refrain
Of grace that saved us of sweet forgiveness
Oh oh, how great is Your lovingkindness

Verse Two

You lift us with a father's hand
You shelter us with Your commands
What heart could fully comprehend
Your mercies endless
You lead us through thе shadows deep
Where doubts trace еv’ry step it seems
But as the darkness breaks, we'll see
The morning promise

Verse Three

A life laid down to rescue us
With arms outstretched upon the cross
The greatest gift there ever was
Of lovingkindness
A life laid down to rescue us
With arms outstretched upon the cross
The greatest gift there ever was
Of lovingkindness
Your lovingkindness

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