(Translated version, original article written in Chinese by Pastor Mickey Hsiao)   

[Theme] Give thanks to the Lord 

This psalm, which begins with the praise of Lord, is very special, and each verse ends with an echo of “for His steadfast love endures forever”. When reading it, we could tell that all the people, under the leadership of the priests, have completed this poem in a enlightened and responsive way, and have dedicated to God the praise that God deserves! 

The first 3 verses give thanks to God for “Who He is”, which gives us a glimpse of God’s attributes and His transcendence. God is good and His steadfast love endures forever. He is the God of all gods, the Lord of all lords. 

Verses 4-9 give thanks to God for “What He can do”, which helps us understand God’s power and His authority. God is the Lord of all things, the God of miracles alone, who with His power created the heavens, the dry lands, the seas, and all that is filled with them, and created the sun, the moon, and the stars, and continued to care for all things in His power.

When we praise Him, whether it is for Who He is or what He can do, we must remember that it is all out of God’s love. God has done everything with love as a starting point and He is worthy of your praises and my praises! 

[Meditation] 

Paul tells us to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). When God’s people gather together, echo each other, and express loudly to God with praises worthy of God, they will surely be able to please God! Let us always think about “Who He is” and “What He has done”, and praise God from our grateful hearts. May we become a grateful person in all things! 

[Prayer] 

O God! Your steadfast love endures forever. I will rise up from spiritual sleep, open my mouth, and give your thanks aloud, for your steadfast love endures forever! 

[Memory Verse]   

Psalm 136:1  Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.