Lent is a period of forty days of spiritual reflection as one prepares the heart for the celebration of Easter. This Psalm provides guidance for such personal reflection.

The refrain is repeated four times (8,15,21,31), “Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men.”

How has God loved you? Count the ways. What is amazing is that God loves us in spite of our rebellion and selfishness. We think more highly of ourselves than of others. Thoughts of Almighty God are often out of our minds. Even when we remember God’s unfailing love and the deeds that flow from his loving compassion, we remain mute.

Hear the exhortation (v.22), “Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy.” Who will you tell today about God’s unfailing love for you? What examples will you give?

Four times (6,13,19,28) the Psalm highlights a turning point and tells of God’s response.

“Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble and he brought them out of their distress.” God hears your cries of desperation, because you are loved. God does and will lead you out of your crisis.

Hear the exhortation (v.32) “Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and prise him the council of the elders.” What Christian leaders will you tell (phone call, email, letter, face to face) today about God’s unfailing love for you?

“Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the Lord.” (v.43)