READ Psalm 136:1–9. 1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. 2 Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. 3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever. 4 to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever. 5 who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever. 6 who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever. 7 who made the great lights— His love endures forever. 8 the sun to govern the day, His love endures forever. 9 the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever.
PRAISED THEOLOGY. Every verse in this psalm points to truths elsewhere in the Bible. However, sound theology is not an end in itself but must be turned into praise. Even obedience alone is not enough. Ethical compliance without fervent worship means you’ve given God your will but not your heart. Notice too that this praise is not solitary. This psalm gives us a glimpse of how many of the psalms were sung responsively in the worshipping congregation. So you must not rest content with biblical knowledge and sound doctrine but you must turn it all into worship that encompasses your whole heart and life. And you must not stop at individual, private spirituality but must know God in the assembly and obey him as part of a whole community.
Prayer: Lord, in your presence is fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11), yet I work harder at my career and even hobbies than at learning to pray. These things are like playing in a mud puddle when you have set a table for me filled with your love, peace, and joy. Lord, teach me to pray and show me a church where I can learn it. Amen.