1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 136:1-3
Companions,
This week is our national holiday of Thanksgiving; a day designated for relaxing and reflecting on the blessings in our life. This is usually done with family and food since these are two of the things that remind us of the good things in our lives. I was thinking that instead of just giving a litany of things we are happy to have, it would be good to actually thank the one giving us those things and we all know who that someone is. I was reminded this week of Psalm 136 and it fits right in with this idea. Our Lord God has created everything and we get the benefits.
7 to him who made the great lights, for his steadfast love endures forever;
8 the sun to rule over the day, for his steadfast love endures forever;
9 the moon and stars to rule over the night, for his steadfast love endures forever; Psalm 136:7-9
God supplies our daily needs.
25 he who gives food to all flesh, for his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 136:25
I have always liked Psalm 136, not only for its masonic appeal but for its straight-forward advice. There are 26 verses in this Psalm and in a few minutes I had half of it memorized. Of course, the second half of every verse is the same phrase but it is well worth remembering. Let us especially keep the first and last verses in mind this Thanksgiving and throughout the year.
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 136:26
O LORD GOD, the maker of heaven and earth, the giver of all good gifts, whose steadfast love endures forever – we give you thanks for all your many blessings. Amen.
Jack A. Holloway
I. Associate Grand Chaplain