Give Thanks to the Lord

Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods, for His steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for His steadfast love endures forever; to Him alone who does great wonders, for His steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 136:1-4

As I read this Psalm, I am reminded of our sermon series through the book of Romans, especially Romans 8:35-39. Psalm 136 was likely composed by David, and it recounts God’s faithfulness to His people. This psalm has 26 verses, and the 2nd half of each verse repeats the phrase “for His steadfast love endures forever.”

Psalm 136 begins with general praise to God for His goodness, His greatness, and the awe of His power. He is God of gods and Lord of lords. He alone does great wonders, and His steadfast love endures forever. The psalmist then begins to recount how the Lord rescued the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt. Then verse 16 says this: 

to Him who lead His people through the wilderness, for His steadfast love endures forever. 

Why were the people of Israel wandering through the desert for forty years? They were there because of their unfaithfulness. They doubted God and His promise to give them the Promised Land. Many people lost their lives because of their lack of faith and disobedience. However, despite the fact that most of the people failed God, He did not fail on His promise. He remained faithful to His chosen people and led them through the wilderness because His love did not fail. His love is steadfast. When the Lord gave Moses the law the second time in Exodus 34:6-7, He described Himself as one who abounds in unfailing steadfast love. This is an essential part of God’s character. He is faithful and loving even when we fall short. This does not mean that God ignores sin or that we can do whatever we want. There are consequences for sin. However, for those who have become a child of God, His love will not leave them. The only thing that keeps a person from experiencing God’s steadfast love is unbelief, refusing to believe in His Son, Jesus.

The same Spirit that inspired the psalmist to write Psalm 136 is the the same Holy Spirit who gave Paul the confidence to write Romans 8:35-39 and boldly proclaim that nothing can separate a child of God from the love of God.

We have many reasons to be thankful this season. Take some time to reflect on the love that God has for those who are His children. We cannot exhaust the depth and magnitude of His love for us. 

It is He who remembered us in our low estate, for His steadfast love endures forever; and rescued us from our foes, for His steadfast love endures forever; He who gives food to all flesh, for His steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of heaven, for His steadfast love endures forever. Psalms 136:23-26