Psalm 136:1, 26 O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endures for ever….O give thanks unto the God of Heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.
How do we respond to the goodness and mercy of the Lord which endures forever? We give thanks continually because the Lord is always good and His mercy lasts forever. This refrain is repeated through all 26 verses of this Psalm. Giving thanks is the refrain that runs through our whole life. It is the hallmark of our attitude that affects our words and conduct. Psalm 23:6: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”
God is good all the time. His mercy is certain, deep, and eternal. The word mercy translates the important Hebrew word, chesed. It means faithful love which includes aspects of love, kindness, mercy, and faithfulness. We never have to worry that God will run out of love because it flows out of a deep well that never runs dry. God will do what He says and keeps His promises. We can count on His forgiveness, love, blessing, and acceptance all the time no matter what. We can live on it, now and forever. We don’t presume upon it, but we know it is there when we fail and fall short. All this fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me, is granted freely to us because of Christ. Undeserved favor belongs to us. We receive and believe it. This Gospel creates thankful hearts.