Psalm 136
Reflect
My Bible gives this Psalm the title: “The never-ending story of God’s love”. Most scholars believe this Psalm was a common hymn. The leader would sing out the reason of why we should be grateful, and the congregation would respond with “His love – or His mercy ( the Hebrew word is Hesed, understood as Yahweh’s grace and loyal love) endures forever”. Most likely the repetition caused the people to memorize this Psalm and cause them to meditate on it. As I look at this hymn, I can see themes. We are to give thanks to the Lord because of His nature, position, power, wisdom, creation, deliverance, kept promises, and because He is the sustainer/provider.
Apply
The Scriptures urge us to maintain a spirit of thanksgiving in every circumstance. We do so not as a gift to God, but as a gift from God. He doesn’t need our thanks, but we desperately need reminders that we are dependent on our Maker. Giving thanks realigns our hearts. Let our praise be like the Apostle Paul’s in Romans 11:36, “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever! Amen”.
Jerilyn Bayer
Pray
- For those who need to be encouraged in heart and united in love.
- Pray through the prayer page in the bulletin.
- Pray for Pastor Dan, our Lead Team Pastor (on sabbatical) and his family.
- Pray for our Hospitality Coordinator, Irene Dickau.
- Pray for our Daycare in its service to children and their families this week. Pray for the director, Kristy Thomas.