26Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever. (Psalm 136:26 ESV)
Christmas 2021 is in our rear-view mirror, and we are peering through the windshield of the New Year 2022. Our yesterdays have already happened and much of our tomorrows remain unknown. In either case, this window between yesterday and tomorrow is a showcase for giving thanks. Who knows what tomorrow will bring? One thing we know for sure, God’s love is present in every tomorrow.
Many Psalms in the Bible point to reasons for giving thanks to God, but my mind went immediately to Psalm 136. We don’t know who wrote this psalm, but the message is clear. This psalm has 26 verses, and the psalmist repeats this one phrase, “His steadfast love endures forever,” 26 times. In all our yesterdays, God’s love was present. In all our tomorrows, we will never see the end of God’s love.
The author of Psalm 136 intended to show readers that God’s love endures forever. The content of his psalm gives historical examples that point to God’s enduring love. The first three verses show the vastness of God’s love in general. In verses 4–9, the psalmist proclaimed God’s majesty and grace in creation. Then, in verses 10–22, he declared God’s grace and mercy in leading Israel from bondage in Egypt to a land of Promise. Finally, in verses 23-26, the psalmist points to God’s grace in providing for our needs.
That phrase, “His steadfast love endures forever,” is a reminder that we always had reasons to give thanks in the past. In the same way, that phrase inspires us to see His grace and mercy at work in our future. Even though trials may come, the psalmist gives us hope for the future. God’s steadfast love is a forever blessing.
Years ago, Kris Kristofferson wrote a song called “Why Me Lord” that has always touched me emotionally. Kris was in a church service one Sunday morning, on one of his rare visits, and found himself at the altar praying. He wrote the song “Why Me Lord” after this personal spiritual encounter with God, unlike anything he’d ever experienced before. If you have ever been touched by the Lord in this way, you will understand the feelings conveyed in Kris’ song. One stanza reads:
Why me Lord, what have I ever done
To deserve even one
Of the pleasures I’ve known
Tell me Lord, what did I ever do
That was worth loving you
Or the kindness you’ve shown.
II feel the same way. Once you realize what the Lord has done for you, His endless love and mercy produce overwhelming feelings. Even though we don’t deserve His love, He makes it known to us in so many ways. It surprises me so many people have never opened themselves to His love. If you haven’t, don’t worry! Today can be your yesterday’s tomorrow. His steadfast love endures forever.”