Enduring

O. T. #1345  "Enduring"
Dec. 17, 2018
Psalm 118
O give thanks unto the LORD; For He is good; because His mercy endureth forever.
Psalm 118:1

LET IT GLOW

Our car and truck are both over ten years old. They are beginning to need this replaced and that repaired. We are hanging onto them as long as they get us when and where we want to go. As long as they endure, we will not trade them off.  It seems nothing lasts forever around here. Appliances eventually wear out. Automobiles' parts break down. Relationships change. Even our bodies get old and worn out. But there is something which endures forever. This chapter speaks of it, 5 times. Read on to find out what it is.

Look at verses 1, 2, 3, 4, 29. The answer is God's mercy. We have discussed mercy previously. It means kindness; good deed; pity. We often say that the mercy God gives us is not getting what we deserve.
So let's take a different approach here. What does it mean when we read that God's mercy endureth forever?
Endureth means to stand; abide; continue.

Matthew Henry describes God's mercy not only as an everlasting fountain, God Himself, but also never-failing streams of mercy.

Have we given it thought that God's mercy flows as a never-failing stream? It goes on and on, forever. Don't we want to drink from this stream?
Now, on the other hand, are we willing to show other mercy that continues?


LET IT GROW

Who is this anonymous author telling to express gratitude for God's mercy that endureth forever?

• Israel, for she sinned in the wilderness worshiping a idols;
• the house of Aaron, his sons who were priests, set apart for private service unto Jehovah;
• then that fear, reverence, the Lord.

See, we are included there as those who are to give thanks to the Lord because, since, for, His mercy lasts forever, throughout eternity. As I have mentioned before, I often say this before praying at a meal with children.
Dear one, what is God asking you to endure?

LET IT GO

Thank You, Heavenly Father, for all you give to us.
Most of all, thank You for Your mercy.
Help me to endure whatever comes my way.