He Loves You
Opening Prayer
Lord, open my heart as I come before Your Word. Open my eyes to the wonders of Your love.
Read PSALM 136:1-26
[1] Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. [2] Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. [3] Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever. [4] to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever. [5] who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever. [6] who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever. [7] who made the great lights- His love endures forever. [8] the sun to govern the day, His love endures forever. [9] the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever. [10] to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt His love endures forever. [11] and brought Israel out from among them His love endures forever. [12] with a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever. [13] to him who divided the Red Sea asunder His love endures forever. [14] and brought Israel through the midst of it, His love endures forever. [15] but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea; His love endures forever. [16] to him who led his people through the wilderness; His love endures forever. [17] to him who struck down great kings, His love endures forever. [18] and killed mighty kings- His love endures forever. [19] Sihon king of the Amorites His love endures forever. [20] and Og king of Bashan- His love endures forever. [21] and gave their land as an inheritance, His love endures forever. [22] an inheritance to his servant Israel. His love endures forever. [23] He remembered us in our low estate His love endures forever. [24] and freed us from our enemies. His love endures forever. [25] He gives food to every creature. His love endures forever. [26] Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What stands out in the psalm?This psalmist was pretty keen to drum two messages into his readers: “Give thanks” and “His love endures forever.””Give thanks” (1-3,26) is not a popular theme in our culture. “Give me what I think I deserve” might be more like it. Counter-intuitively, it’s only the first that leads to a satisfied and grateful life. How could you be more grateful to God for who he is, what he’s done and what you’ve been given? Could you thank God before asking him for anything, keep a gratitude diary, send one person a week a thank-you note? “His love endures forever” is the most emphasized refrain in the psalm. Why might that be? How many times a day do you think you need to be reminded that God loves you? This psalm repeats it 26 times. In many cases, each repetition of “His love endures forever” is in response to one of God’s actions, reminding us that love is a “doing word.” If I told my wife I loved her but forgot her birthday, missed date night and continually acted selfishly, my actions would betray the fact that I didn’t really love her. God has given us the ultimate demonstration of his love: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8).
Apply
Write out twenty-five ways in which God’s love is demonstrated in your life.
Closing prayer
Jesus, thank You for a love that has paid the ultimate cost. You are good, Lord, and I love You.
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