Thankful for Enduring Love
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His faithful love endures forever.
Psalm 136:1 (CSB)
Psalm 136 celebrates the steadfast, enduring love of God. God reveals this love as He works through creation, historical events, and in the lives of people. His faithfulness extends from His person and character, creating the ability to trust in His goodness. The steadfast love of the Lord prompts our hearts to rejoice in the Lord and to live a life of praise.
Praise for Divine Passion (1-9). The Psalmist reflects on creation in the first nine verses of Psalm 136. He highlights the nature and work of creation to reveal God’s glory. God’s love for humanity and all of creation is rooted in the truth that He alone is the Creator, and His faithful love endures forever for His creation. Our praise is directed toward the Lord because He alone is God, and His works are marvelous. We rejoice because of His remarkable work in creation.
Deliverance Driven by Devotion (10-16). The Psalmist reminds the readers of the Lord's work in delivering the people from the hand of Egypt. This reminder encourages the reader to acknowledge the deliverance the Lord performed in the past and continues to enact in the present. The recollection of past deliverance, which illuminates current deliverance, inspires praise. Today, when we experience deliverance from sin through Christ, we witness the faithful love of God that endures forever, prompting our hearts to praise.
Victories of Vast Love (17-22). The Psalmist reflects on the work of the Lord in the lives of the people of Israel as they journeyed toward the Promised Land. The Lord’s love played a crucial role in their deliverance and remained constant, becoming evident as the Lord led them to the promise. Throughout their journey, the Lord defeated their enemies and allowed them to experience the vast love of God. Today, after we experience deliverance through salvation, we embark on our journey toward the Promised Land. This journey involves various enemies and struggles, yet the Lord grants us victories along the way and allows us to witness and feel His vast love.
Mindful Mercies of God (23-26). The Psalmist closes by highlighting the great mercies of the Lord that His children experience. The Lord is providential and works in the lives of His children. His mercy enables Him to offer what is not deserved and to withhold what is deserved. The Psalmist connects the love of God to the extension of His mercy. Today, we must be aware of His great mercy. God continues to provide for us throughout our lives and allows us to experience His faithful love.
QUESTIONS
How would you explain the faithful love of God that endures forever?
When in your life have you experienced the provision and mercy of the Lord?
