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Out of nowhere a powerful blow is delivered. It is – the not looking for it, didn’t see that one coming that throws us off. But to be hit twice unexpectedly is more than one can take.
The shortest Psalm in the Bible offers a type of subtle double sucker punch in the most positive of ways. A hidden nugget nestled in the second verse of this two verse Psalm. Longer lasting and more potent than any energy drink could ever boast, this twin nugget presents a powerful punch.
“For His lovingkindness prevails over us…” Psalms 117:2 AMP
PREVAILS
Prevail is a fun word; while it is not the twofold punch, it provides the action and result of the double whammy.
This fun word conjures up several images like being the last one standing or the runner who completes the marathon in record time or the team that continues a winning streak year after year. What comes to mind when you think of prevailing?
The Hebrew word used for prevail is gabar and it gives us an inspiring action motion picture of the double whammy God delivers to us. The word can be translated as to exceed, be great, mighty, and valiant, to be strong or to prevail. Prevail means to prove more powerful than any opposing forces.
What will prevail?
LOVINGKINDNESS
Lovingkindness is not exactly a word we use a lot, but God’s lovingkindness is what prevails. The Hebrew word used in verse two for lovingkindness is checed. It can be interpreted to mean a variety of terms like beauty, kindly, loving, merciful and favor. Here’s the double sucker punch. It is repeated twice, checed checed.
“For His lovingkindness prevails over us…” AMP
“Great is his steadfast love towards us…“ ESV
“For his unfailing love for us is powerful…” NLT
“For his gracious love towers over us…” NET
Towering over us like the tallest of trees stretching up to the heavens with branches extended as a protective covering is God’s checed checed. When a word is repeated multiple times in the Bible within several verses the author is making a point. When a word is repeated twice together it is meant to be a double sucker punch.
This is not watered down so there is enough to go around type of lovingkindness, rather it is the concentrated dose, rich with every ounce of support needed to make it through. But not just any type of make it through, it is the make it through to the other side standing, crossing the finish line with both hands raised to the sky in victory.
But wait, there is more. Verse 2 goes on to say, “…and the truth of the LORD endures forever…”
ENDURING TRUTH
The Hebrew word used for truth is emeth and it can be translated as truth, faithful, assured, or established. The author of this two versed Psalm wanted to make it clear that this immense checed checed is not an empty promise or a one time offer.
God’s towering gracious love towards us is something we can count on to always be, even to the end of time and then it will keep on going. He will assuredly continuously and abundantly pour out His lovingkindness over us.
God offers His lovingkindness to prevail over us like a nine foot bodyguard following us around. Let’s turn our thoughts to this short Psalm and dwell on this truth allowing it to tower over our worries and concerns and problems.
I don’t know how I am going to make it…. God’s steadfast love is great towards me.
I am struggling with my job and I don’t see a way out… God’s unfailing love is powerful towards me.
I am not confident about this decision, but I have to make one… God’s gracious love towers over me.
I…(fill in the blank)…. God’s lovingkindness prevails over me.
“O praise the LORD, all you nations! Praise Him, all you people! For His lovingkindness prevails over us [and we triumph and overcome through Him], And the truth of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD! (Hallelujah!)” Psalms 117, AMP
Digging Deeper: Psalm 31: 19-24; Hosea 2:19-20, AMP; Romans 8:31-39
Meditation: God’s lovingkindness prevails over me.
Reflect: What in my life do I need to allow God’s lovingkindness to prevail over?
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Thank you for your support and I pray “that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
(AMP- Amplified Version, ESV – English Standard Version, NET – New English Translation, NLT – New Living Translation)