I often point out to others that repetition in the Bible is God's way of emphasizing that we need to pay special attention to what the Spirit is saying to us. So it is, as I was meditating on Psalm 136. In this Psalm we see the repetition of the phrase "His love endures forever." Psalm 136 is what's considered an antiphonal Psalm. In other words the leader would speak a Biblical truth and the congregation would respond with the repetition or echo to the leader's words. We see this type of call and response in some churches today, especially in church traditions that are more liturgical and will use an antiphonal format as a call to worship. It's very easy to overlook this Psalm as we tend to typically get bored with anything that's repetitive. We can look at Psalm 136 and say to ourselves, "Yes I get the point, "His love endures forever." However do we realize how significant these four words are?
The Power of Enduring Love
No matter what the situation or circumstance, His love endures forever. Are you divorced? (His love endures forever) Are you struggling emotionally or spiritually? (His love endures forever) Have you made some poor choices or decisions in the past? (His love endures forever) The amazing thing about our God is unlike people whose love can come or go based on an individual's expectations of us or our failure to meet their needs, God's love never changes and He never gets exhausted of caring about us or helping us, no matter what the situation or circumstance. Paul makes a significant statement about God's enduring love in Roman 8:38-39, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels or demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (NIV) Take some time to think about all the ways you have fallen short or the times when you have experienced fear, shame, or guilt. Then, repeat to yourself the antiphonal response of Psalm 136 as a source of encouragement, "HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER!"
Peace in Christ,
Pastor Sheree
Such a great reminder if His goodness that never changes. His faithfulness that never fails. And His love that endures.. for eternity. Thanks, Sheree
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jeanne. Yes, such a powerful and encouraging reminder.
ReplyDeleteAmen amen and amen
ReplyDeleteThanks, Roni and Amen!
ReplyDeleteSometimes I say to myself, what can I count on today to keep me steady, well you just brought it up Sheree, his constant love and devotion. So need it today and so want to give it back to God. Even if I fail at that sometimes, maybe often, He loves me anyway, what a gift. Thank you dear Pastor Sheree and friend for helping me and others remember. Love, Jacqui
ReplyDeletePeace and blessings be with you, Jacqui.
ReplyDeleteWonderful reminder. Thank you, Sheree.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your encouragement. Peace and blessings!
ReplyDeleteSo grateful that, though I fall short, He loves me and continually pursues a deepening relationship. Thank you, Jesus! Thank you for the beautiful reminder, friend.
ReplyDeleteCarol
Thank you, my friend. His love is unfathomable!
ReplyDeleteI spent my formative years in that kind of faith experience and it has served me well. My memory is saturated in short repetitive reminders of how much I am loved.
ReplyDeletePraise the Lord! 🙌🏾
ReplyDelete