104: God’s Steadfast Love Endures {Psalm 136}

In the last remind{h}er, remind{h}er 103: Repeat Yourself, I referenced Psalm 136 and the refrain used 27 times in the 26 verses of the psalm. But I didn’t get a chance to read all 26 verses, and today, I’d like to take a few minutes to do just that.

Sometimes I think it’s worthwhile for me to simply offer words from scripture and consider what God might be inviting us into, today, through these words crafted thousands of years ago. Yes, study and context and structure and original audience—all of that information matters as we consider this holy, ancient text. But there is also something really important and meaningful about considering how God is still at work through the words of scripture today, as we seek to engage and connect with God through it. Because as others have said before, and as I’ve also shared, I believe God inspired the writers of Scripture, and I also believe God inspires its readers {or listeners} today. Making space for the ways scripture might form us matters, too.

So we’ve done this before here on the podcast, but it’s been awhile. As a reminder, I’ll read through Psalm 136, and as I do, I invite you to consider what you notice. What stands out. How you feel. What you wonder. All of it is welcome. And then I’ll offer just a few questions for reflection with a tiny bit of silence in between each of those questions. Finally, I’ll close by offering my own brief reflection, and I hope you’ll stick around for that. Okay. Ready? Here we go.

A reading of Psalm 136 from the New Revised Standard Version.

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.

O give thanks to the God of gods,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.

O give thanks to the Lord of lords,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;

who alone does great wonders,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;

who by understanding made the heavens,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;

who spread out the earth on the waters,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;

who made the great lights,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;

the sun to rule over the day,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;

the moon and stars to rule over the night,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;

who struck Egypt through their firstborn,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;

and brought Israel out from among them,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;

with a strong hand and an outstretched arm,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;

who divided the Red Sea in two,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;

and made Israel pass through the midst of it,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;

but overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;

who led his people through the wilderness,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;

who made water flow from the rock,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;

who struck down great kings,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;

and killed famous kings,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;

Sihon, king of the Amorites,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;

and Og, king of Bashan,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;

and gave their land as a heritage,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;

a heritage to his servant Israel,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.

It is he who remembered us in our low estate,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;

and rescued us from our foes,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;

who gives food to all flesh,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.

O give thanks to the God of heaven,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.

What stood out to you in Psalm 136? Maybe a word or a phrase? A feeling or a question?

What did you notice in your response to the repetition? Did it bother you? Comfort you? Make the psalm more meaningful or meaningless? Honest answers only.

Think of your current life and circumstances. If it’s helpful, maybe even focus in on this particular day. What reminder might God be offering you through the verses of Psalm 136?

Today, as we consider the words of Psalm 136 together, may we remember…

When we experience goodness in generous heaps—God’s steadfast love endures forever.

When the darkness and grief are overwhelming and unbearable—God’s steadfast love endures forever.

When beauty takes our breath away. When certainties begin to unravel. When a comforting presence brings us peace. When we can’t get out of bed in the morning. When we’re able to take a deep breath. When a day is pure chaos. When joy is contagious. When the world breaks our hearts.

God’s steadfast love endures forever.

When gratitude comes easy. When we are angry and discouraged and find no comfort in our faith. When light warms our faces and fills our lives. And when we can’t feel it, can’t see it, even when we disbelieve it…

God’s steadfast love endures forever.

Amen.