The big question here is: does the poet experience this in the present, or is it a prayer to experience it again in the future, or is this a memory of the past? Given the whole of this Psalm, the most obvious answer is to think of the past. (The Hebrew verb offers that possibility). This is also supported by what he has often said to himself. Think about what the Lord once did in your life (Psalm 42:4). Especially when we are troubled, we have the task of remembering how we were able to experience God’s cherishing love in the old days, and then say to ourselves, Do not forget that the Lord is faithful.
That loyalty cannot be broken, no matter how the storms rage in our lives. This is the God we can rely on. It is significant that, in this very same verse, God’s name Yahweh
is mentioned. That name with the beautiful meaning: I am who I am
(Exodus 3:14).
This prompts the poet to pray to the God of his life. And it is very important that we follow in his footsteps. Go to God in prayer. Tell this mighty God about your life with all its difficulties. After all, his love is certain for those who devoutly call on him.
8 By day the LORD commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.