The Empowerment of Love

Photo Credit: A4dreas

March 18, 2026

Dear Praying Friends,

Living for God in a hostile world is not an easy thing to do. With pressure from the outside to conform, and fears, weaknesses, and anxiety from within to give in, the struggle is real.

What gives you the strength to carry on for God? The psalmist, being a human like ourselves, must have had the same question, because in this seventh stanza, representing the Hebrew letter “Was,” he deals with this very issue.

Psalm 119:41-48 (NIV) —

May your unfailing love come to me, LORD, your salvation, according to your promise; then I can answer anyone who taunts me, for I trust in your word. Never take your word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws. I will always obey your law, for ever and ever. I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame, for I delight in your commands because I love them. I reach out for your commands, which I love, that I may meditate on your decrees.

He states his answer with a clear request to the LORD, “May your unfailing love come to me.” He has come to understand that without God’s love, he will not have the power to do God's work.

The word for love here is a beautiful Hebrew word. It has various nuances that reveal its true depth. It’s a word found almost 250 times in the OT. 

Chêsêd is comprehensive and stands for a cluster of ideas such as love, mercy, grace, and kindness. It contains in itself all the positive attributes of God. Chêsêd is one of the Lord's most treasured characteristics. It is a quality that moves someone to act for the benefit of someone else without considering, "What's in it for me?” 

It can be translated as unfailing-love, steadfast-love, or loyal-love, reminding us that it will never cease.

In this section of the psalm, it is not that the author has somehow lost God’s love, but rather he is stating through his request its importance in his life. Let’s consider four areas where God’s love will give the needed power.

First, God’s love will enable you to speak with authority. The psalmist realizes that he needs help from God to answer his critics. Think of Moses who faced the criticism of his brother, sister, the leaders, and the whole congregation. You wouldn’t think you would have to deal with unkindness from your own people, but sadly, it happens.

Then he states the power of truth to bring unwavering hope. When you're in a place of difficulty, you need the truth of God’s love to hold you.

With the opportunity to speak to leaders, he wants to be motivated by God’s love.

Third, God’s love will strengthen you to obey until the end. God’s love will empower you to live in true freedom.

Lastly, God’s love will be reproduced in your heart. His Holy Spirit will fill your heart with love so you can reflect His character — His love and compassion to others. 

As we pray today for prodigals and for revival, may His unfailing love flow through our veins. 

Warmly in Christ’s name,

Bryan and Rachel