Psalm 136 - 8.29.23

Scripture

Psalm‬ ‭136:26‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.”

‭‭

Observation

This Psalm is a call and response. A “call and response is a musical form in which a melody is stated in a phrase that is then followed by a second phrase that completes the idea. The first phrase is presented like a question, prompting the second phrase - the reply (Study.com).”

In the church world, it’s also called a call to response, such as when a Pastor says “He is Risen” and the congregation replies back with “He is Risen indeed!”

Because God is the definition of love, it motivates everything He does. The Psalmist speaks on God’s character, creation, power, strength and victories, but after every line, the response is  “His love endures forever.” Love is truly at the heart of who He is.

Application

Rest in God’s love in order to share it with those around me.

Have you ever been so at peace with someone, because their love goes beyond what you do, but to actually who you are?

I admit that that is one of the many things that attracted me to my husband. I was in my 20s, had just graduated from college with a really great paying job out of college and I was well known at church because I sang on stage a lot, etc. People knew me because of my outward works, but he saw something deeper in me and said something that made me know that he loved me for more than just the girl on the outside.

That’s just a small picture of Christ’s love for me. His love saved me in ways that only He could. One thing I love about my time with Jesus is that I give myself permission to just rest in His love. I can always count on Christ’s love to carry me through whatever situation is weighing on my heart.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” -‭Matthew‬ ‭11:28-30‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I can also rely on His love to remind me who I am and what He has called me to do. When I lose focus, He reminds me why He saved me in the first place.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” -‭John‬ ‭15:5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Prayer

Dear Lord,

I just want to praise You for Your love and how it endures forever. You’ve been there for me through my lowest of lows to my highest of highs. Thank You for the many ways You have revealed and continue to reveal Your love to me. Help me to cling to Your unending love in order to reflect it to a spiritually dying world. Amen.

-Michelle Gaddi