Wednesday Night Prayer 4/29

I want to welcome you again to our online service tonight. I don’t know about you, but the Wednesday night prayer service always brings a big boost to my week and is a great source of spiritual encouragement, especially as we navigate these uncertain times.

As I thought about what I would share with you tonight, the Lord laid a passage on my heart, along with a unique idea I want to share with you and challenge you with at the end of our service.

The passage is found in Psalm 136, and in Jewish tradition is often known as the Great Hallel, which means “The Great Psalm of Praise”.

And it’s called that because the Psalm is completely focused on the praise of God.

And what’s unique about the Psalm, is interspersed within it are responses to the praise given to God.

In fact, it’s a repetitive and patterned response that we will see repeated over and over. The response is, “for his steadfast love endures forever”, which is a phrase meant to convey to us the kind of love that God has for us.

So, what kind of love is it?

Well, the phrase is translated from the Hebrew word “Hesed” which is meant to imply the covenantal love of God. A love that is based on kindness, goodness, and faithfulness.

To help us understand this kind of love, a great human example of this kind of love would be the covenantal love between husband and wife. A love that is fully committed and faithful through the lifelong covenant bond of marriage. A love that lasts until death us do part.

But in the case of God, it’s a covenant love that isn’t just for this lifetime, but a love for all time. That’s why the Psalmist says it endures forever.

So, as you can see, this is an amazing love that God offers us.

The Psalm is also unique, because as the Psalmist repeats this phrase, he intermixes it with some specific deeds of God. Deeds that include the character of God in regards to his sovereignty, what He has done, and what He continues to do.

And so what I want to do first, is walk through the Psalm and show you the progression of how the Psalmist gives praise to God. And then I want to show you how this psalm can and does apply to your life.

So, let’s begin as we look at the first three verses that declare the sovereignty of God. Beginning in verse 1 the Psalmist writes:

Psalm 136:1–3 ESV

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. 2 Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. 3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever;

Notice the Psalmist begins his praise with the phrase, “Give Thanks To God”, a phrase he repeats three times. Which is signifiant, because whenever something is repeated, it’s the Bible’s way of putting an exclamation point on something. Which tells us it’s an important aspect of the kind of praise the Psalmist is given.

So, what does it mean? Well, the term here for “Give Thanks” literally means to confess or acknowledge.

It’s the idea of coming to terms with who God is, and then giving him the proper praise do Him.

In other words, its purpose is to call us to thoughtful, grateful worship, as we spell out what we know or have found of God’s glory and his deeds.’

So, in a way, the Psalmist is telling us the kind of Psalm this is. It’s a Psalm that spells out who God is, what He’s done, and what He continues to do.

Honestly, it’s where all praise should start.

And what I want you to notice are the three aspects of God that the Psalmist begins with.

First, He is a good God. Meaning He’s a God that always does what is right and just no matter what. Somebody we can trust no matter what.

Second, he’s the God of gods. Meaning, there is no other God like Him or that compares to Him.

Third, He’s the Lord of lords. Meaning He’s King above all kings of the earth. No one on earth can compare to Him.

Its’ an acknowledgment that God stands alone above all and that none can compare to Him. This is the Psalmist putting God in proper perspective for his worship.

Notice as well, with each declaration of praise, the Psalmist repeats the phrase, “For His steadfast love endures forever”. Which is meant to reminds us that the praise of declaration is based on that fact. That the reason God is who He is or does what He does, is because He is a faithful God who keeps His covenant promises.

Now, you might be wondering, “Why does the Psalmist feel the need to keep repeating that phrase? Why can’t he just say it once and move on.”

I believe he does it because he doesn’t want to forget or lose perspective. He doesn’t want to forget how amazing God is. And so to make sure he doesn’t forget it, the Psalmist stops between each declaration of praise, and reminds himself of the goodness, kindness, and faithfulness of the sovereign God of the universe.

And as I said, this is where praise begins.

From there the Psalmist moves to what God has done, and he begins with creation. The Psalmist writes:

Psalm 136:4–9 ESV

4 to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever; 5 to him who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever; 6 to him who spread out the earth above the waters, for his steadfast love endures forever; 7 to him who made the great lights, for his steadfast love endures forever; 8 the sun to rule over the day, for his steadfast love endures forever; 9 the moon and stars to rule over the night, for his steadfast love endures forever;

In this section the Psalmist reminds himself of the steadfast love of God that is seen in the world He has created.

A God who has performed unfathomable wonders.

A God who made the sea and oceans and everything in them.

A God who made the sky above with all of its beauty and grandeur.

A God who put the Sun and every sunsrise and sunset in place to give warmth and light to the the earth.

A God who set the moon and stars in place to light the night sky and dazzle us with wonder.

A God whose steadfast love endures forever.

This is the God he cries out too. A God who has created all that we see. He’s an amazing God.

But he doesn’t stop there, because there’s more to praise God for as he begins to focus on what God has done.

The Psalmist writes:

Psalm 136:10–16 ESV

10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, for his steadfast love endures forever; 11 and brought Israel out from among them, for his steadfast love endures forever; 12 with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, for his steadfast love endures forever; 13 to him who divided the Red Sea in two, for his steadfast love endures forever; 14 and made Israel pass through the midst of it, for his steadfast love endures forever; 15 but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea, for his steadfast love endures forever; 16 to him who led his people through the wilderness, for his steadfast love endures forever;

In this section the Psalmist focuses on God as a past rescuer. The one who helped them in their time of need. The God who rescued them from Egyptian slavery.

The God who heard their cry for help.

The God who brought the plagues upon Egypt.

The God who brought them out of Egypt.

The God who provided a way of escape by parting the Red Sea.

The God who overthrew their enemies as they chased after them.

The God who led them through the wilderness and provided for them on their journey to the Promised Land.

A God whose steadfast love endures forever.

So, why is the Psalmist focusing on what God has done? Again, because he doesn’t want to forget. He doesn’t want to forget that God is a God who not only declares promises but keeps them. A God who has been historically faithful. A God who has a record of getting the job done. For His steadfast love endures forever.

But he doesn’t stop there. He continues. The Psalmist writes:

Psalm 136:17–22 ESV

17 to him who struck down great kings, for his steadfast love endures forever; 18 and killed mighty kings, for his steadfast love endures forever; 19 Sihon, king of the Amorites, for his steadfast love endures forever; 20 and Og, king of Bashan, for his steadfast love endures forever; 21 and gave their land as a heritage, for his steadfast love endures forever; 22 a heritage to Israel his servant, for his steadfast love endures forever.

In this section the Psalmist now focuses on God as past victor. For Israel, He’s the God who led them into the Promised Land and defeated their enemy. A God who protected them from arrows and the sword. A God who led the charge and devastated the enemy. For His steadfast love endures forever.

But he doesn’t stop there. Because not only is He the God who has rescued and delivered, but He’s the God who continues to rescue, deliver, and provide. The Palmist writes:

Psalm 136:23–25 ESV

23 It is he who remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures forever; 24 and rescued us from our foes, for his steadfast love endures forever; 25 he who gives food to all flesh, for his steadfast love endures forever.

In this section the Psalmist focuses on his present state and his current needs. And he remembers it is God who sees His current need. It is God who rescues me from his current trouble. It is God who provides food on his table. For His steadfast love endures forever.

And now, with praise properly given, the Psalmist closes his praise as he started as he declares:

Psalm 136:26 ESV

26 Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.

In this final verse, once again he reminds himself of the sovereign God. The God of the universe. For his steadfast love endures forever.

What an amazing Psalm!

The question now is, “How does this Psalm apply to us?”

Thankfully it applies in the same way. Because the God the Psalmist is giving praise too, is the same God we serve. A God of steadfast love and faithfulness. A God who offers you and I covenantal love.

The question then is, “Do we recognize that?” Or maybe a better question would be, “Does our praise declare that?”

You see, as I read through this psalm, I was struck by the fact that very few people ever give God praise like this.

That in out hustle and bustle of life, we forget or are too busy to give proper praise.

And in our busyness and forgetfulness, we make the mistake of forgetting the kind of God we serve. We make the mistake of forgetting what He’s done in our lives. And we make the mistake of forgetting what He continues to do in our lives.

And as a result, when we do squeeze some praise in on a Sunday morning or Wednesday night, our perspective of God is often limited, surfacey, and if we’re honest, shallow.

And what it challenged me to do is to sit down and write my own version of this Psalm. A Psalm that would remind me of who God is, what He’s done, and what He continues to do in my life.

And so, what I’d like to do is share it with you, because after I read it, I want to challenge you to do the same. So, to give you an idea of what I’m talking about, here’s my Great Psalm of Praise:

Brad’s Great Psalm of Praise:

I give thanks to the Lord, for He is great.

for his steadfast love endures forever.

I give thanks to one who is seated above all. The one to whom every knee shall bow and tongue confess that you are Lord.

for his steadfast love endures forever.

I give praise to the one who formed me in the womb and calls me by name.

for his steadfast love endures forever.

I give praise to the one who breathed life into me and knows the number of my days.

for his steadfast love endures forever.

I give praise to the one who created the morning light that gives hope and guides my day.

for his steadfast love endures forever.

I give praise to the creator, the one who holds my life in the palm of his hand.

for his steadfast love endures forever.

I give praise to the one who in my faithlessness heard my cry of despair.

for his steadfast love endures forever.

The one who delivered me from thoughts of self harm and suicide.

for his steadfast love endures forever.

The one who mended, repaired, and restored my broken marriage.

for his steadfast love endures forever.

The one who protected my children when I was weak and selfish.

for his steadfast love endures forever.

The one who called me by name and ordained me for ministry.

for his steadfast love endures forever.

The one who gave me an amazing church with amazing people.

for his steadfast love endures forever.

The one who has directed and guided each step I’ve taken.

for his steadfast love endures forever.

to him who protected me from poor choices and bad decisions.

for his steadfast love endures forever.

to him who helped me overcome addiction and sinful habits.

for his steadfast love endures forever.

to him who picked me up when I wanted to give up.

for his steadfast love endures forever.

to him who has always been faithful despite my unfaithfulness.

for his steadfast love endures forever.

For it is you who sees my daily needs, worries, and fears.

for your steadfast love endures forever.

It is you that has rescued my family from unknown dangers.

for your steadfast love endures forever.

It is you that provides even in the uncertainty of today and tomorrow.

for your steadfast love endures forever.

To you God I give thanks, to the God of all creation. The God of heaven and earth. The God who holds all things together.

for your steadfast love endures forever.

So, that’s my great Psalm. It’s a psalm that reflects an acknowledgment of who God is. That he is bigger than I can possibly imagine. That his abilities far surpass what I could ever think possible.

It’s also a Psalm that declares what He’s done for me. How in the dark times of my life, when I was faithless, he was faithful.

To remind me when I did’t think I had a purpose or reason to live, God had a plan for me.

To remind me when I lacked as a husband and father, God rescued and restored my family.

To remind me that even though there were times I couldn’t see Him, He was watching and caring for me.

But not only that, it’s a reminder of what He’s doing right now in my life. How He continues to go before me. How he continues to protect me. How he continues to provide for me. Why? Because his steadfast love endures forever.

And what was true for the Psalmist, and what is true for me, is true for you. The question though is, do you recognize that? Or, have you forgotten.

And if you’ve forgotten, maybe it’s time to write your Great Psalm. Maybe it’s time to sit down and think about who God is. How amazing He is.

Maybe it’s time to sit down and consider all He’s done for you. How he’s helped you. How he was there when you couldn’t see Him. How he provided when you couldn’t provide for yourself.

Maybe it’s time to sit down and consider what He’s doing right now. How even in the midst of the uncertainty of the Corona virus, He is with you. He’s providing for you. He’s protecting you. He’s going before you.

Why? Because his steadfast love endures forever.

Here’s my challenge to you tonight. That over the course of the next couple of days you would right your Great Psalm. That you would take some time to sit down and consider who God is, what He’s done for you, and what He continues to do.

And what I’m praying will happen for you, is in the midst of considering the greatness of God in your life, you will experience a new perspective, appreciation, and desire for Him in your life. That it will literally change the way your praise Him. That it will go beyond a couple of worship songs and to and to a daily declaration of praise as daily remind yourself of the goodness and greatness of God.

Let’s Pray