O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good!

O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.

O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.

To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Ps. 136: 1-4

 [mercy = lovingkindness]

 

Twenty-six times in the verses of Ps. 136 we read, “His mercy endureth for ever.” This awareness makes us give thanks for His new mercies every morning (Lam. 3:22-23). Observe the eternity of time and infinity of space compared to God’s mercy (Ps. 103:17, Ps. 103:11); see this linked to the fear of God in both these verses. The mercy of God should make us fear God, not tempt us to take sin lightly. Ps.130: 4: “But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.” Notice how important this matter is for godliness.

 

God’s mercy (lovingkindness) is our first need and last need, our unfailing hope from first to last, and our abiding comfort till last breath, for we are in the flesh of sin, living in an environment of sin. God’s mercy avails for forgiveness of sin and healing of sickness, and His grace avails to keep us from sinning (Ps.103: 3, Heb. 4:16). The Mercy seat — the golden covering of the Ark of the Covenant — was regarded as the Throne of God (Ex. 25:22; Lev. 16:2; Nu. 7:89). Here the blood of the sin offering was sprinkled on the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16: 14, 15). Now Christ is our Mercy Seat; His blood atones for us, and keeps cleansing us as we walk in the light God gives, 1 John 1:7.

 

Praising God is an offering (Ps. 50:23), and helps us be filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18-20). Let us learn to praise God habitually for His goodness.

 

 

O for a thankful heart, Lord — thankful for the breath of life (2 Cor.1: 3); thankful for eternal life (John 3:16). O for lips that praise you continually (Ps.34: 1), giving thanks for all things (1 Thess. 5:18); Thus may I abide in the fullness of Spirit, Eph. 5:18-20.

 

For your goodness to me, Lord — for your lovingkindness, I give thanks:  Your mercy has ever been upon me, and your mercy is now upon me. For this assurance I give thanks, O God of gods.  I bless you, I adore you, Lord, for you have done great things for me. Amen.