“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His steadfast love endures forever.” Psalm 136:1
When we consider being thankful, where do our thoughts gravitate towards? What are we thankful for? Who are we thankful for? Why are you thankful for them? There are many things, many people, many reasons.
In Psalm 136, the psalmist draws our attention and focus to our Lord. To Him much thanks is due! He is completely worthy of our gratitude. Why? The psalmist gives us 26 reasons. Yet, he begins, “For God is good.” As our mouths open in thanksgiving to God, may we ponder and praise His goodness!
Goodness is one of His divine attributes. God is isn’t evil. He hates sin and can’t be tempted with evil (James 1:13). Divine goodness is connected to divine justice. God punishes evil because He is good and just (Exodus 34:6-7). God’s goodness is also evident in His kindness towards His creation, as well as His kindness and love towards His people. Out of his great, holy love towards us, God punished our sins in our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the propitiation for our sins (Romans 3:21-26). Further, the goodness of God is evident in His providence, in His working all things for our good (Romans 8:28), His promise to complete that good work He began in us (Philippians 1:6), and His chastening us for our good and His glory. Much more could be said. Give God thanks for His goodness!
The psalmist goes on to give us another reason (repeated 26 times in the psalm) for the giving of thanks- another divine attribute- the enduring, steadfast love of the Lord. The wonderful love and mercy that isn’t deserved, but the beautiful love of God that is given in such abundance to us! How can we not give thanks?!? That truly awesome love in Christ that doesn’t end and endures (Lamentations 3:22-23). What a joy. What a comfort!
Oh, let us give thanks to the Lord, Beloved! For we have much to be thankful for.