Finding Steadfast Mercy in Psalm 136 Amid a World of Fleeting Affection
Love is everywhere in early February. Shop windows glow in red and pink, greeting cards overflow with words of affection, and social media showcases curated moments of romance.
Yet beneath the celebration, many hearts quietly carry disappointment, longing, or questions about whether love truly lasts. Last week, I found myself unable to string words together. My heart felt heavy and quiet – it is true they say, grief visits each of us differently 😔.
So I have combined Weeks 7 and 8. And this morning (17-02-26), as I turned to the book of Psalms for the chapter of the day, the first page I landed on was Psalm 136 — and it dawned on me to write about love. How fitting, with Valentine’s Day straddling these two weeks.
Bible reading 📚
Psalms 136:23-26 NIV
[23] He remembered us in our low estate His love endures forever. [24] and freed us from our enemies. His love endures forever. [25] He gives food to every creature. His love endures forever. [26] Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.
Reflections 🙌
A Love That Endures Forever
Rather than reflect on the romantic love often highlighted and commercialised at this time of year — a love that can be beautiful but is often limited by time, circumstances, and emotions — Psalm 136 draws our attention to a far greater love:
A love that endures forever.
Psalm 136 calls us to give thanks:
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.
Give thanks to the God of gods.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords.
It reminds us who God is — supreme, sovereign, the God of heaven — high above all.
His Mighty Works
The psalm recounts God’s mighty acts:
* He alone does great wonders.
* With understanding, He created the heavens and spread the earth upon the waters.
* He made the great lights — the sun to govern the day, the moon and stars to govern the night.
He struck down the firstborn of Egypt and brought Israel out with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm.
He divided the Red Sea and led His people safely through, sweeping their enemies away.
He guided them through the wilderness.
He struck down great kings — Sihon king of the Amorites, Og king of Bashan —
and gave their land as an inheritance to His servant Israel.
His Personal Care
And then, in the midst of all these mighty acts, the psalm becomes deeply personal:
* He remembered us in our low estate.
* He freed us from our enemies.
* He gives food to every creature.
The refrain echoes after every line: “His love endures forever.”
Some translations say mercy. Others say steadfast love. But the meaning is the same — His covenant love, His faithful love, His enduring kindness.
Unlike the love often celebrated around Valentine’s Day — which can fade, disappoint, or be dependent on circumstances — God’s love is not seasonal. It is not emotional fluctuation. It is not performance-based. It does not expire.
It remains.
A Love That Sustains
Psalm 136 reminded Israel to give thanks not only for what God had done historically, but because of who He is eternally. That reminder resonates just as strongly with us today.
Each of us carries our own testimony. My family and I have found ourselves in low estates many times. In those moments, we have seen God’s saving grace. His mighty hand has been at work. His faithfulness has covered us. His grace has lifted us. His enduring love has carried us into places and seasons that only He could orchestrate.
Not because we are good — but because He is.
God does not need our goodness for Him to be good. Verse 1 reminds us plainly:
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.”
His mercy is freely given. His love is freely extended to all His creation.
I especially love verse 25:
“He gives food to every creature.”
It reminds me that God did not simply create the world and step away. He sustains it daily. From the beginning of time until now, He provides. He sees. He cares.
* He feeds.
* He remembers.
* He delivers.
* He reigns as the God of heaven.
Our Response
And so our response can only be gratitude:
* To give Him thanks.
* To worship Him with grateful hearts.
* To honour Him with our whole being.
For His love — His mercy — truly endures forever. 🙏
Prayer 🙏
Almighty and loving God,
God of gods and Lord of lords,
We thank You for Your daily grace,
for Your enduring love and mercy,
and for Your unfailing faithfulness.
Thank You for the gift of this new day — for waking us up this morning and sustaining us through the night.
Grant us wisdom to discern Your will, courage to stand firm in truth,
and strength to persevere in a world that often values material things and where love can feel conditional and fleeting.
Teach us to be generous with the many blessings You have entrusted to us — our time, our resources, our possessions, and the gifts and opportunities You place in our hands.
Help us to share the greatest message of love:
Your Son, Jesus Christ, who died to save us from sin and death and rose again to give us eternal hope.
Keep us faithful until His return.
Steady our hearts. Anchor us in Your truth. Let our lives reflect Your enduring love.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen. 🙏
To God be the glory always 🙏
Idau Hahine 