GOD'S LOVINGKINDNESS EXCEEDS THE GOOD LIFE. Initially it seems to mean life under the most favourable circumstances: a life of ease, honour, plenty. Or social life at its best and better; as a merchant prospering in his business, a student excelling at his books, a monarch glorious on his throne; it is life surrounded by all that is desirable. But there is more to God's lovingkindness. It is His love displaying itself in kind words, kind acts, discoveries of His divine excellencies, feasting the soul with spiritual delights. This is better than life, for it bestows greater blessings, it confers higher honours, it imparts sweeter pleasures, it raises higher expectations, and it surrounds us with greater security. It is better for it is more lasting; it is more suited to the nature of the soul; it is truly glorious. It is unmixed good, unfading pleasure, inexhaustible wealth. Well, then, may the Psalmist prefer it to life, and well may he say, "My lips shall praise Thee." Can you not also say, "I will commend Thee in conversation. I will give Thee thanks in my devotions. I will praise Thee for its discovery, for my present enjoyment of it, and for the prospect of eternally enjoying it"? For Thy lovingkindness is better than life.

For Meditation:
God's love, as the day is dying,
Lights the candles of the skies,
From His unseen source, supplying,
Till the morning sun shall rise,
Light to those in darkness groping,
That they may, with true delight,
See His presence, and keep hoping,
As He guides them thro' the night.