JULY 10
Psalm 136:1, “For his steadfast love endures forever.”
In Psalm 136, the psalmist repeatedly declares, “His steadfast love endures forever,” using the Hebrew word chesed to describe God’s unfailing, covenantal love. This beautiful term appears approximately 250 times in the Old Testament, making it one of the most frequently used words to describe God’s character. Chesed is not merely a theological concept—it is the lived reality of God’s loyal, lovingkindness that the psalmist traces through the mighty acts of creation, redemption, and daily provision, revealing how every encounter with God manifests His steadfast love.
God’s steadfast love is evident as He made the heavens and the earth, separated light from darkness, and formed the seas and the land. Each act of creation reflects the loyal love of the God who sustains all things. The psalmist also highlights God’s steadfast love in the powerful deliverance of Israel—leading His people out of Egypt, defeating mighty kings, and giving them the promised land. Even in the ordinary provision of food and water during the wilderness journey, God’s loyal love remains unwavering, and the psalmist celebrates it!
For the psalmist, God’s steadfast love is not a one-time event or an occasional blessing but the unchanging reality behind all our experiences in life. In all His dealings, God reveals a love that never fails, never forgets, and endures forever.
This enduring love invites believers to trust God not only in dramatic moments but also in the quiet, every day of life. The psalm calls us to reflect on and worship God for His kind, loyal love that surrounds and assures us no matter what we face. How blessed we are to know that nothing “will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39)—a love that nothing in the universe can work to destroy (Romans 8:38-39).
The psalmist praised God for his steadfast love. Take time to reflect and join in his chorus. Tie your life experiences to this reality, and rest in the assurance of God’s abiding love.
“God’s love is the firm foundation beneath all our hopes. It never falters, never fades, and is the anchor of our souls.” — John Stott
Application Questions: In what ways have you personally experienced God’s loyal love—His steadfast love and loyal kindness—in both the extraordinary and ordinary moments of your life? How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God’s unchanging love, especially when facing challenges or uncertainty?
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