5 proofs of God's Love

 Read Psalm 136.

Many have read this psalm wondering why the same phrase is repeated twenty-six times.

Musically, this is an antiphonal song.  There are several ways it may have been used.  Commonly, the leader could sing the first line and the people would respond with the refrain.  Equally, it could be presented by two groups of singers or choirs. 

Scripturally, the repetition drives home the message.  Love is primarily a commitment.  Yes, emotions are involved, but true love is evidenced by faithfulness no matter what.  God's love is well documented and also experienced throughout each day.  As the songwriter reminds us, it is not God's love that is wanting but our gratitude.

1. God's love is seen in His character: Who He is. (vv.1-4)
He is good.  He is God of gods and LORD of lords.  He alone is all-powerful.  As the one and only eternal God, His love will not change.  He will be faithful forever.

2. God's love is seen in His creation: What He has made. (vv.5-9)
He made the heavens and the earth.  He made the sun, moon, stars and planets and placed them into orbit.  To deny that God created these things is to rob Him of His glory and to spurn His love.

3. God's love is seen in His control: What He has done. (vv.10-22)
Israel consistently reviewed the historic evidences of God's intervention in their lives.  They never got over the Exodus.  They recounted time and again how the LORD spared them against their enemies.  It is His love that causes God to act on our behalf. 

4. God's love is seen in His care: What He has done for us. (vv.23-25)
The God of heaven is personally knowable.  He loved us when we did not love Him.  He came to our rescue at times when we did not even know we were in trouble.  He faithfully supplies our needs.

5. God's love is seen in Christ: What He has done to forgive us.
"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)  Our first step of gratitude is to embrace Jesus as Savior and Lord.

Our wholehearted response then is-- "Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever."