his steadfast love endures forever...

the lord's steadfast love is mentioned over and over again in the psalms. it surely was something the psalmists clung to. something they had to remind themselves of over and over again as they endured trials, hardships and temptations. today i read through psalm 136. i noticed that every other phrase, says "for his steadfast love endures forever." i figured there must be something to this repetitive phrase, so i decided to read it out loud.

as i heard it over and over again, i choked up. i could not finish the psalm. the idea that his love is steadfast and does not change is incredible, especially since my love changes every day. then top that off with the idea that it endures forever!! forever! i do not have to worry if it will be enough for today, it will last forever!

as i read through this psalm, i was reminded of just a few ways the lord was faithful in the old testament, which lead me to think about the ways he has been faithful to me, which lead me to tears. it would be really cool if i could write a psalm like this, for all the events in my life also shout, "for his steadfast love endures forever."

there is something about speaking god's word out loud! it is powerful. i would encourage you to try it. here is psalm 136. all of it.

1Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
for his steadfast love endures forever;

4 to him who alone does great wonders,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
5 to him who by understanding made the heavens,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
6 to him who spread out the earth above the waters,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
7 to him who made the great lights,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
8 the sun to rule over the day,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
9 the moon and stars to rule over the night,
for his steadfast love endures forever;

10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
11 and brought Israel out from among them,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
12 with a strong hand and an outstretched arm,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
13 to him who divided the Red Sea in two,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
14 and made Israel pass through the midst of it,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
15 but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
16 to him who led his people through the wilderness,
for his steadfast love endures forever;

17 to him who struck down great kings,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
18 and killed mighty kings,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
19 Sihon, king of the Amorites,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
20 and Og, king of Bashan,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
21 and gave their land as a heritage,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
22 a heritage to Israel his servant,
for his steadfast love endures forever.

23 It is he who remembered us in our low estate,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
24 and rescued us from our foes,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
25 he who gives food to all flesh,
for his steadfast love endures forever.

26 Give thanks to the God of heaven,
for his steadfast love endures forever.