When Jennifer and I first met in college…more than just a few years ago…I was not a Christian. We started dating and she soon invited me to go to church with her. I wasn’t particularly thrilled about going to church, but my interest in her overrode any misgivings about going to church. It was a church affiliated with the Baptist Student Union at Michigan State. It consisted entirely of students, with a couple of pastors who were part of the BSU. One of the first songs I recall hearing is the song “Give thanks to the Lord (for He is good).” Having not really ever been exposed to Christian praise music ever, to be honest, I was left a little wanting. It seemed a bit repetitive. It was until I got saved a few months later that I began to appreciate the importance of praise music as part of my overall walk with Christ. Psalm 136 was written as an antiphonal praise, meaning the phrase “His love endures forever” was intended to be sung as a response. The Psalm praises God as Creator, Redeemer, Shepherd, Conqueror, and Deliverer. When I think back to where I was as a new believer, to where I am more than 37 years later, the depth of my understanding of God’s love is so much greater. But by comparison, it only scratches the surface. Praise songs have a different intent than traditional hymns. But both are vitally important in the strengthening of our walk as believers. Sometimes we dismiss praises songs as “7-11” songs. Meaning the same seven words repeat eleven times. I’ll admit, I laughed out the first time I heard that description. But in reality, that repetition is important because it becomes a great memory tool as we bounce those words back and forth in our brains. When I find myself coming under spiritual attack or struggling with a thought, I am able to pull up those praise songs from the rolodex in my brain and find myself encouraged and often relieved. In this psalm, it is that ever-important reminder that God’s love does indeed go forever. There is no greater truth in which to place our trust and confidence.
