November 13, 2025

Psalm 136:1

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Have you found yourself looking for your glasses only to discover you are wearing them? Have you ever spent time looking for the keys you are holding in your hands? The point is, we tend to forget that which is most needed and often very close to us. The list goes on and on regarding that which we tend to forget. However, in this psalm, the writer reminds us over and over again of one thing that he feels is most important; for his mercy endureth for ever. 

There are 25 stanzas in this hymn, and in each verse, we find this same reminder. First, We are Given a Praiseful Reminder, “Oh give thanks”. One area of the Christian life that is most often forgotten is thanksgiving. We regularly become so consumed by the cares, chaos, and competitions of the world, that we tend to forget to offer praises of thanksgiving. Secondly, We are Given a Permanent Reminder "unto the Lord”. Our thanks unto God must be permanent because He is permanent. We must remind ourselves of the immutability of God. He is “from everlasting to everlasting”. He is, was, and always will be Lord. Further, We are Given a Purposeful Reminder "for He is Good”. God’s goodness is innate in His divine characteristics. This concept of purpose is often consistent with the use of the preposition, “for”. In this case, it is the purpose for our praise. The Hebrew word for good in this text is (Towb) it is pronounced "Tobe". My interest regarding this word is, although it’s an adjective, it can be used as a noun and an adverb. More interesting is that regardless to its linguistic form it can be accurately applied to God. Moreover, We are Given a Persistent Reminder "for His mercy endureth for ever”. Although, we see purpose again indicated by the same preposition, it is powerful to note the persistent use of the same phrase in all 25 stanzas in the hymn. My brothers and sisters, this is key to our current condition and culture of the pandemic and prejudice we are facing. Hence, let us be reminded, whatever we encounter as children of God, His mercy endureth forever. 

Until the next time my Christian friends, may the mercies of God serve as a persistent reminder of His presence in our lives. 

The Prayer: 

Dear God, have mercy upon us according to your own goodness. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Gardiner L. Sanders, Jr.

Senior Pastor

Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church

870-866-3848

I would love to here from you. Text me at 870-866-3848 if this devotional ministry has been a blessing in your life.

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