Is the Love Mutual?

Psalm 136 English Standard Version (ESV)

136 

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;

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;

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[a] 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;

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.

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.

26 

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

(https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+136&version=ESV)

As you read this Psalm you see the overlying theme in each verse, “for His steadfast love endures forever”.  The sad thing is that the people did not appear to share that love. Often times I think that is how it is today as well.  God can do mighty things to show His love to His people and they don’t even take the time to thank Him. 

Let’s just look at one example of that in this passage.  In verse 16, He led the people through the wilderness, they should have been thankful but they grumbled and complained instead.  They grumbled and complained so much that they didn’t even get to see the promised land, but their children did.  Why is it that we find ourselves in the same situation?  God is gracious to us because He loves us but instead we grumble and complain.  I know that I do more than my share of that! 

Today as we seek Him, let’s remember that He loves us and that love needs to be mutual.  Let’s thank Him for His mighty wonders rather than complain about them.

Seeking Him with all my heart,

Sheila