This is the story of the past, but it is a past which in faith can be relieved to become part of present experience. Notice how after mentioning “the steadfast love of the Lord” and “his mercies”, the poet suddenly turns to grasp what is still there, and new day by day, “your faithfulness” (verse 23). This is no longer merely the God of the past, this is the God who is dealing with him personally now. Therefore he can say, “The Lord is my portion” (verse 24), source of hope for me. The description