I was reading Psalm 136 recently. I noticed that each verse had two lines.  The first line changed each time, but the second line was always the same, “for His lovingkindness is everlasting”. Do you know what happened to me? I started getting so distracted by the anticipation of the second line. I finally ended up reading the Psalm without the second line of each verse. Ah…finally..I got through all the repetition.  I was able to concentrate on the other information and it was just easier.

Suddenly I felt a bit guilty for not reading all of the words. I mean, I am a writer, so I’m sure the author intended those words for a purpose. But, what was that purpose?  The chapter started with a command to “give thanks to the Lord, for He is good”.  Each consecutive verse mentioned thanking God directly or documented something He had done for Israel.  We read how God made the heavens, how He ruled the sky by day and by night.  We are reminded of His great rescue of the Israelites from the Egyptians, as well as from many other kings.  God is even concerned with the giving of food to His people. His people were very important to Him and He showed His love through His creation, acts and power.  This was not a passing love, it was everlasting.  It was for keeps!

Even after all that God did for His people, though, the Israelites walked away time and time again. They forgot to thank God. They forgot Him and chose others above Him.  We do this even today.  We forget. Verse one addresses the issue and states it as fact: “God is good”.  When people love you they are truly wanting what is best for you; meaning, their intentions are good.  Similarly, God intends good for us. The amazing part, though, is His love does not depend on us or our relationship with Him. You see, He is good. He has always been around and will forever be around. This can only mean one thing: His lovingkindness is everlasting.

What circumstance are you facing today where you need to be reminded of God’s lovingkindness being everlasting? Know He is always there for you. Accept His lovingkindness and rest in the knowledge it will always be there. God cannot be someone else. He must be Himself. “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good….for His lovingkindness is everlasting.” Psalm 136:1 (NASB)

© 2013 Susan M. Sims

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