Elize About Faith

Yesterday I was reminded of Psalm 136 and when I read it several times this morning, I was filled with tears – not because I was sad, but because I was filled with awe for God. The kind of tears that comes when we realise how small we are and how deeply we are loved at the same time.

The author of Psalm 136 is unknown but the theme of the text very much describes a deep acknowledgement for God’s steadfast love that endures forever.

As you read through Psalm 136, we are also reminded of God’s power by defeating the Egyptians whilst leading Israel to the promised land.

The author reminds us of God’s attributes, for making the earth and sustaining all living things, for having power over all creation and all of nature. It also gives praise and thanksgiving for God’s historical blessings on the nation of Israel. It is a powerful testimony that God always remains faithful.

And these blessings continue to this day. In our modern day we have forgotten what it is like to acknowledge God in this type of way. It reminds us to this day that despite our hardened hearts, that God’s love always endures.

Many people split their faith between the living God and other idols. People have lost discernment between good and evil. People started relying heavily on themselves instead of trusting in God.

Despite all the miracles God performed, the Israelites hardened their hearts. What would have been an 11 day journey turned into a 40 year wandering of the desert before reaching the land that were promised to them. That’s not just ancient history. It’s painfully human. We see God move, provide, rescue and people still reach for control, comfort, and shortcuts. Still, God remains faithful even when human faith falters.

What Psalm 136 teaches is that God’s love endures, but the human faith does not. We want the easy way, the comfortable way, the shortcuts. Human’s want to be in control – they want to be like God.

Yet God is patient, He loves and disciplines, just like any good parent would do, because He is the Father who wants the best for all of His children.

“He remembered us in our weakness.

His faithful love endures forever.

He gives food to every living thing.

His faithful love endures forever.

Give thanks to the God of heaven.

His faithful love endures forever.”

Psalms 136:23, 25-26 NLT