Thank God for Mercy

When we read Psalm 136 we may think that it sounds repetitive. It is actually a responsive psalm used in worship. The worship leader says the first part of the verse, and the congregation responds with

“and His mercy endureth forever”.

The psalm gives a brief history from the beginning of creation through the time when God led the people of Israel into the promised land to the personal experience of the people in verses twenty-three and twenty-four.

“Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever: and hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.”

Today, we say it so glibly, “His mercy endures forever,” as if we somehow deserve His mercy, but we don’t. I don’t.

Mercy is God’s compassion or lovingkindness that withholds judgment and offers forgiveness. His greatest offer of mercy is the gift of Jesus Christ and His death on the cross to pay the price for sin. I did not earn His mercy; He chose to give it to me.

God’s mercy is why I am redeemed. God’s mercy offered me a way back to Him. Thank God for His mercy.

So, when I read, “for His mercy endureth forever” over and over again in Psalm 136, I just think to myself, “That is why I am here today. Because His mercy endures.

Thank God His mercy endures.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever (Psalm 23:6).