Psalm 48  The focus of this psalm is the City of God..Zion.  Zion is God's "holy mountain".  It is a beautiful mountain  .. bringing joy "to the whole earth".  It is the dwelling place of the King.  It is the stronghold of God where He makes Himself known. 

Zion brings amazement to those who pass by and terror to those who do not belong.  Yet, it is a welcome refuge to those who come in righteousness and truth. 

The psalmist says, "We have thought on Thy lovingkindness, O God... " Lovingkindness - merciful kindness - As Psalm 36 says.. " Thy lovingkindness, O Lord extends to the heavens.. " It is "precious" because, in it He gives refuge to His children.. hiding them in the shadow of His wings.  He gives them water to drink and light to make the darkness flee.  

"Be gracious to me, O God, according to Thy lovingkindness; according to the greatness of Thy compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.." David prayed. ( Psalm 50:1-2)  Later he proclaimed.. "Because Thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips will praise Thee." ( Psalm 63:3)  And "Answer me, O Lord, for Thy lovingkindness is good; according to the greatness of Thy compassion, turn to me." (Psalm 69:16)

Psalm 107  give us a series of of circumstances where men found themselves in trouble and cried out to the Lord.. and in each situation the Lord  answered out of His lovingkindness.. 

Verses 2-7 tells of the people wandering in the wilderness, hungry and thirsty.. fainting and lost.. until they cried out to the Lord  and He led them to an "inhabited city."   The psalmist writes, "Let them give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness..." 

Verses 10-12 tell of those who were in darkness, imprisoned and in misery.. from their own rebellion against the Lord.. Yet, when they cried out to Him, He saved them, freeing them from their bands.. "Let them give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness.. " (v15)

Verses 17-18 tell of those who acted as fools in their rebellion. They ended up near death.. until they cried out to the Lord and He saved them. "He sent His word and healed them and delivered them from their destructions. Let them give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness.. "

Verses 23-24 tell of men going to sea, doing business, seeing the Lord's handiwork in the greatness of the ocean waters.. but then a storm comes and it is terrifying.. "their soul melted away.. they reeled and staggered like a drunken man and were at their wits end." But, when they cried out to the Lord, He stilled the waters and guided them to shore. "Let them give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness and for His wonders to the sons of man." 

"Who is wise? Let him give heed to these things; and consider the loving kindnesses of the Lord." Verse 43 ends this psalm. 

Think on.. consider His lovingkindness.. the compassion and mercy that God is willing to pour out on us.. even when we fail.  Even when we are sinners.  Even when we are rebellious.  Even when we are foolish. Even when we are trapped by our own choices. Even when trouble comes, not of our own doing, but over which we have no control.. 

There is a place, the psalmist tells us, where we can find joy and gladness.. it is the place of God's presence.. "Walk about Zion, and go around her; count her towers; consider her ramparts; go through her palaces; that you may tell it to the next generations. For such is God, Our God forever and ever. He will guide us until death." (48:12-14) 

Father, Your city is a place of refuge and security. It is where I want to be.. face to face with the One who loves me and died for my sins.  Your lovingkindness is better than life! You give and forgive. Your heal and restore our souls. You rescue us from darkness and fill us with light.  You give us life!  I praise You and thank You for reminding me again of the greatness of Your love and mercy. Amen.