Give thanks to the Lord because he is good, because his mercy endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods, because his mercy endures forever—Give thanks to the Lord of lords, because his mercy endures forever.
Give thanks to the only one who does miraculous things— because his mercy endures forever.
to the one who made the heavens by his understanding— because his mercy endures forever—to the one who spread out the earth on the water— because his mercy endures forever—to the one who made the great lights— because his mercy endures forever—the sun to rule the day— because his mercy endures forever—the moon and stars to rule the night— because his mercy endures forever. [vss 1-9]
Give thanks to the one who killed the firstborn males in Egypt— because his mercy endures forever.
He brought Israel out from among them— because his mercy endures forever—with a mighty hand and a powerful arm— because his mercy endures forever.
Give thanks to one who divided the Red Sea— because his mercy endures forever.
He led Israel through the middle of it— because his mercy endures forever. He swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea— because his mercy endures forever.
Give thanks to the one who led his people through the desert— because his mercy endures forever. [vss 10-16]
Give thanks to the one who defeated powerful kings— because his mercy endures forever.
He killed mighty kings— because his mercy endures forever—King Sihon of the Amorites— because his mercy endures forever. and King Og of Bashan— because his mercy endures forever. [vss 17-20]
He gave their land as an inheritance— because his mercy endures forever—as an inheritance for his servant Israel— because his mercy endures forever.
He remembered us when we were humiliated— because his mercy endures forever—He snatched us from the grasp of our enemies— because his mercy endures forever
He gives food to every living creature— because his mercy endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of heaven because his mercy endures forever. [vss 21-26]
(Psalms 136:1-26 GW)
Each Christmas season people are preoccupied with gift giving and the quest for the gift that's just right. A standard advertising question is—"What do you get for the man or woman who has everything?"
The same thing could be asked about God since He does have everything. Literally! He's the Creator and Sustainer of all things and all life. What could anyone give to God?
God doesn't need anything. He also doesn't ask for anything. And yet, every major religion has its own ideas on what to give or offer to God.
In more primitive religious cultures where God is seen as impersonal and distant, people have tried to appease God with countless offerings and sacrifices.
Even in religions where God is known as personal and approachable, spiritual leaders differ on what pleases God and what He requires of us as believers.
This psalm was written as a responsive song of praise. It may have been sung when the temple King Solomon built in Jerusalem was dedicated. (2 Chr 7:3, 6)
Psalm 136 is a simple expression of praise for who God is and of His goodness. As it's sung, those singing are reminded of creation, God's deliverance out of Egypt and through the wilderness into the Promised Land.
As each expression of why people are to give thanks is made the people respond with "because His mercy endures forever."
God is pleased when we acknowledge who God is and how He's blessed us (Heb 11:6).
Try reading through Psalm 136 and think of how God made Himself known to you and blessed you throughout your life and be reminded that "His mercy endures forever."
How and when do you thank God for who He is and how He's blessed you?
God's not asking anything of us except for the response of our heart for all He's given us.
©Word-Strong_2017
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I won't cover all 150 Psalms, but do selective devotionals through the rest of Psalms.
So if I skip one that you like... let me know and I'll try to cover it!