Psalm 136 - Giving thanks to God is right and appropriate

In Psalm 135 the author called for praise to be offered to the Lord, the great God. This Psalm 136, on the other hand, sets out to call for thanksgiving to be given to God. With every call the author included this refrain: “For His mercy endures forever.” This was a song that was sung responsively. Every time the leader exhorted that thanksgiving be given to God for something He had done, the people would respond with the refrain, “for His mercy endures forever.” Clearly the lovingkindness or mercy is the constant refrain in this Psalm. This term is a reference to the unfailing kindness of God. It is an expression of His undying and steadfast love towards us, His people. Without doubt, He is a covenant keeping God and He will be trusted to keep His part of the covenant that He had made. Hence we must respond appropriately to Him. The only appropriate response is to thank Him profusely. This is important in life. This attitude of gratitude will free us to be the person God intents us to be. Being thankful in life generates trust. When we are thankful we will find it easier to trust God without question.   

The Psalmist started out in the first three verses with the call to give thanks to God. Everything he had said about God resonates with our heart. He wants us readers to know to whom we are giving thanks to. God is not only good, but also the only God who deserves the thanksgiving. He is the supreme God who is far above all the “so called gods” and He is the Lord of all lords. There is no one greater than our sovereign and supreme Lord.

Having shown us the character of our Supreme and Lofty God, the Psalmist then went on to talk about His works from verses 4-26. Broadly speaking, there are three aspects of His works. In verses 4-9, we see Him as the mighty Creator. He made everything – the universe and all, perfectly. In verses 10-15, He is the Deliverer of His people from Egypt to the Promised Land. And in verses 16-22, He is the gracious Provider, Who takes care of the need of His chosen people without considering their lowly estate.

The Psalmist wants us to see the undying mercy of God from the solidly and kind actions He had shown toward His people, especially to the nation of Israel. Their history affirms all that the Psalmist had described here. He had not only delivered them from their bondage in Egypt but kept them safe through their journey. He also helped them to deal with forces that came against them and delivered them from their enemies. Finally He brought them into the Promised Land that He gave for their heritage. Bear in mind that God never waver in His steadfastness toward His people despite their many stubborn resistance toward Him.  

God always deals with us not according to what we have done but according to His great love and mercy. This is borne out in history and we also know it personally in our daily experience. No matter how far we have strayed, He lovingly waits for our return and when we do, He warmly welcomes us with open arms. Yes, there is no doubt that His mercy endures forever! We must praise Him. It’s unthinkable that anyone who has experienced His love and mercy will not in return praise, love and serve Him forever!