6 Reasons To Celebrate God's Love Series

Turn to Psalm 136 because you have a part to play in today’s sermon. Why is knowing God so valuable?

1. Knowing God Gives You Confidence

“He shall seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action” (Daniel 11:32).

The people who know God shall be strong. When you know God, you can move forward with confidence, and take action. When you know God you have the confidence and ability to do the right thing. Nothing will give you more day-to-day confidence in your life than knowing God. God gave Elijah the confidence as he faced the evil treachery of King Ahab and Jezebel. God gave Daniel the confidence to fearlessly confront the pressure of Nebuchadnezzar. And God gave the Apostle Paul the confidence to face the persecution for sharing Christ.

A mighty Fortress is our God,

A Bulwark never failing;

Our Helper He amid the flood

Of mortal ills prevailing

2. Knowing God Gives You Peace

“May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. …” (2 Peter 1:2). As God rubs off on you – not just information about Him – but when He really rubs off on you, your life is transformed. Some people have peace of mind because of their bank account. Others get a sense of peace because of their family (mother, father, husband, or wife). You will really have inner peace and power to live life when you know God well.

3. Knowing God Gives You Composure

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Even if an earthquake shakes up your life, you’ll have composure because of the security God gives you. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea…” (Psalm 46:2). A Christian cannot think about God without thinking about Jesus Christ. The true beginning point in knowing God is entering into a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. Today’s passage is one of the most unique in all the Bible for in twenty six verses, the Bible repeats this one phrase twenty six times: “for his steadfast love endures forever.”

This psalm was designed for the congregation to “talk back” by repeating this phrase. Will you read the part that says, “for his steadfast love endures forever,” with me?

Today’s Scripture

“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 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.” (Psalm 136:1–26)

Everything in our lives should perfectly reflect God’s great love. Let young and old say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Let rich and poor say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Let fathers and mothers say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Let the instructed and the ignorant say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Let the saved and the unsaved say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” The loudest and sweetest notes of praise come from the lips of the redeemed. Child of God, can you be silent? Can you not with David sing, “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name” (Psalm 103:1)!