Enduring Love

It Never Runs Out and Never Gets Old

PREVIEW: One of the critiques of modern worship choruses is that they are too simple and overly repetitive. On the other hand, the great hymns of the church are deeply theological and majestic both in lyric and music. But there is room for both—the modern worship the Holy Spirit has birthed in the contemporary church, as well as the hymns of our historic faith. So, if you’re cranky over your music pastor’s typical song selection, do what Psalm 136 calls you to do: Focus on God’s goodness throughout the history of the world and throughout your personal history as well. God has been faithful in all he has done, and merciful, too. He is the loving Creator and Redeemer—he always has been, he is right now, and when you wake up tomorrow or the next day, and every day after that, he still will be. “O give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever!”

Enduring Love - Ray Noah Blog

A Journey of Worship // Psalm 134:2

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.

One of the critiques of modern worship choruses is that they are too simple and overly repetitive. The great hymns of the church, on the other hand, are deeply theological and majestic both in lyric and music. I truly love both—the modern worship the Holy Spirit has birthed in the contemporary church as well as the hymns of our historic faith. Both move me to joyful worship of Almighty God.

Psalm 136 is akin to a modern worship chorus. In each of the twenty-six verses that comprise the psalm, you will notice simple, soundbite phrases that recall the goodness of God as both creator and redeemer, followed by the same line thirty-six times: “His love endures forever!”

So, if you are one of those who, frankly, just dislikes modern worship, think about this psalm the next time you are tempted to get a little cranky about your church’s worship. If you want to be critical of your worship leader for his song selection, you might as well line up this psalmist right beside him and take your shot at both!

Or you could do what this psalm calls you to do: Focus on the goodness of God throughout the history of the world, and throughout your personal history as well. God has been faithful in all he has done, and merciful, too. He is the loving Creator and Redeemer—he always has been, he is right now, and when you wake up tomorrow or the next day, and every day after that, he still will be.

O give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever!

Now—don’t you feel much better?

My Offering of Worship: Perhaps a good exercise in praise and thanksgiving would be to write your own Psalm 136. For what are you thankful? List it and keep adding to it until you run out of space or your fingers start cramping. Then go back and beside each point of gratitude, write “For his love endures forever.” One more thing: the next time you’re feeling down about something, remember that God’s faithful love is with you in your unpleasant moment.

Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive or off-topic.

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