PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Psalm 136
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1)
Repeat after me, ‘the Lord’s love endures forever’.
If the message doesn’t sink in the first time, how about 26 times?
How does the Lord love us, let us count the ways: 1,2,3…
If we really understood how much the Lord does for us, we would count forever.
This psalm was probably read responsively when Jews gathered together.
I want to encourage its use as a daily discipline or faith-building exercise.
Try coming up with your own list of 26 reasons to praise the Lord.
Go through the details of your life story, like this psalm does.
Life is like a bead necklace, with many different colours (or kinds) of experiences.
The Lord is the golden chain that runs through it all, that holds it together…
As Jesus followers, Satan constantly bombards us with negative messages.
We reinforce them by repeating them, giving them credibility in our minds.
We overcome them by repeating positive faith, hope and love messages.
Repeat after me, ‘His love endures forever’.
PRAYER
Lord, this is timely, as I am feeling discouragement. May this repeated refrain keep me focused on the many ways your love for me endures forever.
How can I ever think that God does not care? Look at the history of mankind – of Adam Eve – Abraham – Moses David – and especially Jesus. God love does endure forever – and in so many, many ways. How can I have the nerve to think not. Sure there are times God seems not caring – but He is teaching me – I know it when I reflect on it. I don’t do things by consulting with Him first. O Lord help me have the gut instinct to always talk with you first – help me to unplug my ears and turn up my hearing! Lord your love does endure forever!!
There are times I just need to stop, listen and remember what the Lord God has done for me. His love endures forever.
I need a daily reminder what the Lord God has done for me. I need look and remember His presence in my life. He has blessed me in days past so that I can be a blessing to those around me. Every day I need to recount and remember what the Lord has done for me – family, friends, daily food, shelter, clothing, daily safety, good health, His presence, gifts to be used for service, etc. I need to count my many blessings and name them one by one.
When upon life’s billows
You are tempest tossed
When you are discouraged
Thinking all is lost
Count your many blessings
Name them one by one
And it will surprise you
What the lord has done