Experiencing God's Presence #326

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

Psalm 136:1

This last phrase shows up often in the Psalms, but it’s especially prominent in Psalm 136. The first half of each verse shows a reason to be grateful to God, then the second half declares, “His faithful love endures forever.” The repeated refrain pairs God’s works with God’s motivation—mighty acts and the love behind them. The overall message is that we have an awesome God who works on our behalf.

If we look closely enough, we see another common theme in God’s mighty works. Not only are they motivated by His love, they are prompted by our need. He delivered His people out of slavery, led them through the wilderness, gave them a path through deep waters, defeated their enemies, gave them a land where they could live, and remembered their weakness. Each incident refers to the Exodus, a time when Israel was helpless to save herself and needed intervention every step of the way. God stepped into their gaping needs and saved.

That’s what He does with us, too. We each have canyons of need that beg to be filled, and instead of being our downfall, those needs become opportunities to know who He is, see how He acts, and grow closer to Him in the process. His Presence doesn’t fill those who are already filled; it fills those who are empty. Wherever we experience lack or obstacles, we can experience Him. And whenever we experience Him, we thank Him—not only for what He did but for the motive of love behind it.

Father, thank You for filling my needs with Your provision and Your Presence—and for the love behind all of Your mercies.

From the book