“I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord.” (Isaiah 63:7)

We need to remember what God has done for us and tell others about it. Isaiah exemplified this when he wrote, “I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us.” Later, the prophet also recounts God’s compassion for His people throughout history, even telling how “in all their distress he too was distressed”. But if you keep reading the chapter, you’ll notice Israel is again in a time of trouble, and the prophet longs for God’s intervention.

Remembering God’s past kindnesses helps when times are hard. Challenging seasons come and go, but His faithful character never changes. As we turn to Him with grateful hearts in remembrance of all He’s done, we discover afresh that He’s always worthy of our praise.

Daily Questions

1. What kindnesses has God shown you in the past?
2. How does praising Him for them help you when you’re going through challenging times?

Daily Thoughts

Father, You’re sovereign over all creation, we praise You because Your goodness doesn’t change, and You’re always with us.

Isaiah 63:7-9

I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us-yes, the many good things he has done for Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses. He said, “surely they are my people, children who will be true to me”/ and so he became their Savior. In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.

Bonus Information

Isaiah 63:7-9 form the first part of the prophet Isaiah’s prayer. It follows the pattern of thanksgiving, confession, and supplication (making a request of our heavenly Father). The thanksgiving portion recounts God’s history of caring for Israel. He’s done “many good things” and bestowed ‘many kindnesses” on them. He calls them “my people, children who will be ture to me”. Verse 10 begins the confession segment of the prayer. “Yet they rebelled and grieved (God’s) Holy Spirit,” laments Isaiah, and he poetically wonders, ‘Where is he who set his Holy Spirit among Israel…who divided the waters before them, to gain for himself everlasting renown?” All this is a prelude to Isaiah’s plea for God to again show Himself strong. “Look down from heaven and see.” he says, “Return for the sake of your servants.”