^“ Oh, give thanks to the God of gods! For His mercy endures forever. Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords! For His mercy endures forever!” Psalm 136:1-2

Do you understand God’s mercy? I don’t know if I truly do most of the time. As I continued to read in my study Bible it discussed that the Hebrew word for “mercy” actually encompasses love, kindness, mercy and faithfulness.

This begins to register more with me especially if I picture how Jesus was as He walked this earth.

Put in the words this verse represents in Hebrew and it reads, “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, For His love, kindness, mercy and faithfulness endures forever.”

As humans this is something we all long to feel and know. We search for acceptance and love, kindness, and mercy in all kinds of people and things.

Psalm 136 continues to describe some things God has done. Creating the heavens and earth. Parting the sea. Freeing ancient Israel from her enemies.

Through it all it says, “His love endures forever.” Meaning, His love, kindness, mercy, and faithfulness endure forever.

I am going to challenge you today to do what David did. Write out a psalm to God. Use Psalm 136 as an inspiration and add things for which you are thankful. Remembering the Hebrew word for “mercy” actually encompasses love, kindness, mercy and faithfulness. Here is the basic passage from the Psalm, and below are my examples.

^“ Oh, give thanks to the God of gods! For His mercy endures forever. Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords! For His mercy endures forever!” Psalm 136:1-2

To Him who never gave up on seeking me out to know Him personally as I fought whether to follow Him. His lovingkindness is everlasting.

To Him who opened a door I never thought possible to minister in a country I always dreamed of visiting. His lovingkindness is everlasting.

To Him who guided me to a job He knew would help take care of me when life fell apart. His lovingkindness is everlasting.

To Him who helped me recover from a pulmonary embolism with no lasting effects. His lovingkindness is everlasting.

To Him who continued to woo me to Him even as I had a hard time seeing Him as a Father. His lovingkindness is everlasting.

To Him who had plans from the beginning to bring me out of the darkness to begin to see good things. His lovingkindness is everlasting.

Friends, as we focus on embracing this journey with gratitude, remember God has plans for each of us He longs to see come to light in our lives.

Embracing the Journey

Ask God about His love for you. Ask Him to open your eyes to where He shows you this love and how His love, kindness, mercy, and faithfulness endure forever. Write out your own psalm, and continue your gratitude list by finding three blessings to write down today. Pray and thank God for these and for His amazing love, kindness, mercy, and faithfulness. (Grab this year’s free holiday survival guide to keep up your gratitude list.)

This is an excerpt from my book: Embracing the Journey: A 30-Day Devotional for Learning to Live in the Joy of Christ During this Season.

(C) All Rights Reserved. 2023 Susan M. Clabaugh with Encouragement in Daily Living LLC.