Is Your View of God Anchored in His Faithful Love?

A Few Thoughts to Consider

How do you view God’s attributes?

Psalm 136:1 says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His faithful love endures forever.” Then, for the remaining 25 verses, the psalmist switches up the first part of the sentence, highlighting God’s skill, strength, and provision. However, he leaves the second sentence the same. “His faithful love endures forever.”

Repetition was a common theme in the Old Testament and served several important functions. It reinforced key messages and laws, making them easier to remember in an oral tradition where texts were often memorized and recited. Repetition also emphasized theological themes and moral teachings, ensuring they were deeply ingrained in the community's consciousness. Additionally, it was a literary device that added rhythm and structure to the text, enhancing its impact and aiding in its transmission across generations.

Verses 1-3 highlight God’s status, 4-9 his work in creation, 10-22 his historical works, and 23-25 his goodness to Israel.”^[1] But all of these come from one source—a loving and faithful God. J.A. Motyer writes, “His status would by itself inspire awe; his creatorial works, marvel; his power evident in history, submission; his goodness, gratitude. But when we see that all these greatnesses spring from an unchanging love which delights to manifest power in mercy and provision, then the Lord is truly acknowledged with wonder, love and praise.”^[2]

This is the key point of this psalm. Yes, we should worship God for what he does, but we must never lose sight of who he is.