Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever” – Psalm 136:1.
Have you ever noticed how some songs get stuck in your head? They play “on repeat,” sometimes for days, until you find yourself humming them in the grocery store or when out for a walk.
Psalm 136 is like that. It’s God’s song of gratitude that refuses to let go. Twenty-six times, this psalm repeats the refrain “His faithful love endures forever,” as if the writer couldn’t help but sing it over and over again.
In the first verse of this psalm, we are given three heartfelt truths that should spark endless thanksgiving: The Lord is worthy of thanks with goodness and love that endures forever. This simple message can transform our daily walk with Christ if we let it take root in our hearts.
We are called to “give thanks to the Lord.” This isn’t a suggestion—it’s a command, but one wrapped in joy. The Hebrew word for “give thanks” is “yadah” (יָדָה), which implies more than just verbal appreciation. It means to throw or shoot like an archer, suggesting that our thanksgiving should be intentional and directed. When we thank God, we’re taking aim with our gratitude, deliberately focusing our hearts on Him.
We are reminded that “God is good.” In our world of shifting values and relative truths, God’s goodness stands as an unchangeable absolute. His goodness isn’t dependent on our circumstances or feelings. He doesn’t have good days and bad days like we do. He is good—period. This fundamental truth should anchor our souls when life’s storms threaten to overwhelm us.
We hear that “His faithful love endures forever.” The Hebrew word here is “chesed”(חֶסֶד)—that beautiful, untranslatable word that combines love, mercy, and faithfulness. It’s God’s covenant love, His steady commitment to His people that nothing can shake. While everything else in our lives may feel temporary or uncertain, God’s love stands as an eternal constant.
In my pastoral ministry, I’ve visited with people in hospital rooms, stood with families during their loss, and celebrated baptisms and wedding ceremonies. In each of these moments, this verse rings true. God’s goodness and faithful love remain unchanged in joy or sorrow. Like a steady heartbeat beneath the chaos of life, His love endures.
Today, I challenge you to make this verse your own song of thanksgiving. Let it play on repeat in your heart.
When you wake up, thank Him for His goodness. When you face challenges, remember His faithful love. When you lie down at night, recall His enduring presence throughout your day.
Lord, thank You for being good—not just doing good things but being the very definition of goodness itself. Thank You that Your love isn’t fleeting or conditional, but enduring and faithful. Help us to live today with hearts overflowing with gratitude, knowing that Your steadfast love will never end. May our lives become a continuous song of thanksgiving to You. Amen.
Exploring Our Faith: Questions for Reflection
1. How might your day look different if you chose to repeat: “His faithful love endures forever” every time you faced a challenge or celebrated a blessing?
2. How can you make this verse a regular part of your daily life?