By Karen Holland
Psalm 136:1 Give thanks to the LORD for He is good, His love endures forever.
Why is “His love endures forever” repeated so many times in this Psalm, each verse ends with it? Without this repeated chorus, Psalm 136 presents a straightforward account of God’s history with His people, including his creative acts (verses 1-9) and his powerful protection against the enemies of his people (verses 10-26).
Doesn’t this repetition magnify the LORD’s love? This seems to be especially true in the light of God’s history with His people. This repetition really brings God’s enduring love into focus. Enduring love that does not change, that is faithful and strong through all generations (Psalm 100:5). Enduring unyielding love that stands firm in spite of circumstances (Psalm 89:2). Enduring love whose compassion never fails and is new every morning (Lam 3:22-23).
It is through this love that God gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16-17). This great love is demonstrated in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:9). This great enduring love of God that is in the Lord Jesus Christ, NOTHING, can separate us from it (Romans 8:38-39)!
How wonderful – how powerful, how wide, how long, how high, how deep is this enduring love – it’s beyond our understanding (Eph 3:17-19). No wonder this chorus appears so many times. Psalm 136:1 Give thanks to the LORD for He is good, His love endures forever.
Lord, help us each remember to give You thanks and praise, for You are good and Your love endures forever!