June 16, 2025 - Psalms 136-140

In Psalm 136, over and over again, the psalmist declares:  “for his steadfast love endures forever.”  This grateful testimony is followed in the next psalm, as the psalmist reflects on the Exile, with “By the waters of Babylon, there we sat down and wept, when we remembered Zion” (137:1).  And then:  “I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart . . . and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness . . . On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased.” (138:1-3).  David is often found thanking God for speaking, as he does in the next psalm:  “How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!  How vast is the sum of them! (139:17)  In the next psalm, David finds himself pursued by evil men and asks for God’s protection before testifying, “I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy.  Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name; the upright shall dwell in your presence” (140:12-13).  What to make of all this?  The psalmists, as we, enjoy times of rejoicing and struggle during times of trouble.  But, always, they and we can count on God being with us.

Give thanks to God, for good is he:

his love abides forever.

He helped us in our deepest woes:

his love abides forever.

He ransomed us from all our foes:

his mercy lasts forever.

Each creature's need he will supply:

his love abides forever.

Give thanks to God, enthroned on high:

his mercy lasts forever.   –Public Domain (1849)