Thursday, December 17

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

 

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.

      His love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1)

 

 

Throughout Psalm 136, we find each verse encapsulated by the phrase:  “His love endures forever.”  That repetition of 26 refrains echoes into the reader’s heart.  In the times of the Old Testament, this responsive phrase may have been sung by the congregation.

 

Overall, the psalm points to the value of gratitude and remembrance.  The first three verses incline the reader’s heart towards gratitude, while the final verse echoes that same call.  In the middle, the writer provides an overview glimpse at God’s sovereign intervention in Israel’s covenant history, including:  Creation; the Exodus for Egypt; the establishment of the land as Israel’s inheritance; and freedom from “our enemies.”  Verse 25 points out each creature’s dependence on God’s faithfulness, to Him “who gives food to every creature.”

 

Our human minds cannot fathom the enduring, faithful love of God.  We can only catch glimpses of it.  These disciplines of gratitude and remembrance help us to reconnect with God and set our attitudes and sights aright:  looking upward to God in humility and gratitude.  His love endures forever!

 

I sometimes imagine the radiance of God’s love being something like a radiation of kindness that brings joy and peace (much like the fruit of the Spirit).  This radiance brings with it a glow and warmth that overwhelms brokenness and delivers security.

 

How have you experienced God’s enduring love this year?  How could you acknowledge your gratefulness, even today?

 

 

Lord God, thank You that Your love does indeed endure forever.  Make us more aware of Your presence and the many ways in which You have demonstrated Your faithfulness in this incredibly difficult year.  Thank You that the Incarnation of Jesus helps to underscore Your enduring love, giving us strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.  In Jesus’s mighty Name, amen.