Give Thanks, For His Lovingkindness Endures Forever

Remembering God’s Steadfast Love in Creation, Redemption, and Provision

Sermon Outline: Give Thanks to Yahweh

Because He is Good
Because He is Creator
Because He is Savior
Because He is Provider

Scripture List:

Worship Song List:

Good, Good Father
Psalm 136: Give Thanks to God the Sovereign Lord
Forever
For the Beauty of the Earth

Gratitude Rooted in God's Character, Works, and Covenant

When we look back on our lives, we can trace the steadfast love of the LORD through every blessing, trial, and provision. Psalm 136 invites us into a chorus of remembrance, anchored in God's unchanging character and mighty acts. His lovingkindness isn’t momentary—it endures forever. This psalm calls us not just to feel thankful, but to give thanks intentionally, because He is good, He made us, He saved us, and He daily provides for us.

A Psalm of Steadfast Love

Psalm 136 opens with a triple refrain: “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good... for His lovingkindness endures forever.” This is no casual repetition—it’s a doctrinal anchor. Each act of God, from creation to conquest, is laced with covenant mercy. His enduring love is the pulse behind His mighty hand.

Why We Must Remember

The psalmist ties thankfulness to remembrance. God's people must not forget His goodness, His saving power, and His provision. Forgetting leads to pride; remembering leads to worship. Thanksgiving is not only an emotion—it is obedience.

Echoes in the New Testament

Paul, in Ephesians 1, outlines the spiritual riches lavished upon us in Christ. Election, redemption, adoption, and sealing by the Spirit are modern echoes of the same enduring lovingkindness praised in Psalm 136. We do not give thanks superficially—we bless the God who acts.

Give Thanks in Every Season

Whether facing giants like Israel or uncertainty like Joshua, the call to give thanks remains. Even in trials, God's hand is at work. Our thankfulness is rooted not in how we feel but in who God is.

Key Verses and Commentary

Psalm 136:1 – Sets the theme: Yahweh’s goodness and enduring lovingkindness.
Ephesians 1:3-14 – Spiritual blessings in Christ, God's sovereign grace and eternal plan.
Romans 1:20 – General revelation calls for gratitude to the Creator.
John 6:35 – Christ, the Bread of Life, meets our ultimate hunger.
Matthew 27:51 – Veil torn: access to God secured by Christ our Savior.

Key Words

Lovingkindness (Heb. ḥesed): Covenant faithfulness, loyal love.
Creator: God as origin and sustainer of all things.
Savior: God delivers His people from judgment and death.
Provider: God gives daily needs, physical and spiritual.
Thanksgiving: Active praise to God rooted in His character and acts.

Key People

Yahweh: Covenant-keeping God of Israel, central subject of Psalm 136.
Paul: Apostle and author of Ephesians, expounds on divine blessings in Christ.
Joshua: Leader who inherited the unfinished task, yet God remained faithful.
Pharaoh (Exodus 12): Symbol of God's judgment and Israel's deliverance.
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From Israel’s Songs to Our Savior’s Church

Psalm 136 was sung by a nation redeemed from Egypt. Today, the Church sings a greater song—Christ has redeemed us from sin and death. The refrain remains: His lovingkindness endures forever. As believers, we do not merely look back at God's acts in history; we live in the reality of His daily mercies in Christ.

Message to Original Audience

Give thanks to Yahweh for His covenant faithfulness
Remember His mighty acts in creation, redemption, and provision
Rehearse His works in public worship
Trust in His enduring love despite national or personal hardship

Applications for Believers Today

Cultivate Gratitude: Regularly reflect on God’s goodness in personal prayer.
Rehearse Redemption: Publicly proclaim Christ’s saving work.
Trust His Provision: Even in lack, rest in God's faithful hand.
Praise With Purpose: Sing with theological depth and gospel joy.
Pass It On: Teach the next generation the mighty works of God.

Everlasting Mercy

God's people are never without a reason to give thanks. Psalm 136 reminds us that His mercy does not fail—it endures forever. Let’s remember, rehearse, and rejoice in His goodness.

Psalm 136 “Give Thanks, For His Lovingkindness Endures Forever”