**The Story of God’s Enduring Love: A Reflection on Psalm 136**
In the beginning, when the earth was formless and void, and darkness covered the face of the deep, the Spirit of God hovered over the waters. It was then that the Lord, in His infinite wisdom and boundless love, spoke the universe into existence. With a word, He said, “Let there be light,” and light burst forth, piercing the darkness. The heavens and the earth were born, and all creation bore witness to the majesty of the Creator. *For His steadfast love endures forever.*
The Lord stretched out the heavens like a canopy, placing the sun to rule the day and the moon and stars to govern the night. He painted the sky with colors of dawn and dusk, a daily reminder of His faithfulness. The earth He filled with life—trees that reached toward the heavens, rivers that sang as they flowed, and creatures of every kind, each reflecting His creativity. *For His steadfast love endures forever.*
But it was not enough for God to create; He desired a people to love and to love Him in return. So He formed Adam from the dust of the ground and breathed into him the breath of life. Eve, the mother of all living, was crafted from Adam’s side, and together they walked with God in the cool of the garden. Yet, sin entered the world, and the harmony of creation was broken. Still, God’s love remained steadfast, for He promised a Redeemer who would crush the serpent’s head. *For His steadfast love endures forever.*
Generations passed, and the earth grew corrupt. But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. God instructed him to build an ark, a vessel of salvation for his family and the animals. For forty days and nights, rain poured from the heavens, and the waters rose, covering the earth. Yet, when the flood subsided, a rainbow arched across the sky—a covenant promise that God would never again destroy the earth with water. *For His steadfast love endures forever.*
In the land of Ur, God called Abram, saying, “Go to the land I will show you.” Abram obeyed, and God made a covenant with him, promising to make him the father of many nations. Though Abram and Sarai were old and childless, God fulfilled His promise, giving them a son, Isaac. From Isaac came Jacob, and from Jacob, the twelve tribes of Israel. *For His steadfast love endures forever.*
The descendants of Israel grew numerous in Egypt, but they were enslaved by a Pharaoh who knew not Joseph. Their cries rose to heaven, and God heard their groaning. He raised up Moses, a man slow of speech but mighty in faith, to lead His people to freedom. With a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, God brought plagues upon Egypt, each one a testament to His power. The final plague struck the firstborn of Egypt, but the Israelites were spared, for they had marked their doorposts with the blood of a lamb. *For His steadfast love endures forever.*
Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he pursued the Israelites to the edge of the Red Sea. With the waters before them and the Egyptian army behind, the people cried out in fear. But Moses lifted his staff, and the Lord parted the sea, creating a path of dry land. The Israelites crossed safely, but when the Egyptians followed, the waters rushed back, swallowing Pharaoh’s chariots and horsemen. On the far shore, Miriam took up her tambourine, and the people sang, “The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.” *For His steadfast love endures forever.*
Through the wilderness, God led His people with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. He provided manna from heaven and water from the rock. At Mount Sinai, He gave them His law, written on tablets of stone, a guide for holy living. Though they grumbled and rebelled, God remained faithful, for His love is unchanging. *For His steadfast love endures forever.*
When they reached the Promised Land, God fought for them, bringing down the walls of Jericho and driving out their enemies. He gave them the land flowing with milk and honey, a fulfillment of His promise to Abraham. Yet, the people turned to idols and forgot the Lord their God. Still, He raised up judges and kings to deliver them, for His love is steadfast. *For His steadfast love endures forever.*
In the fullness of time, God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, born of a virgin in the town of Bethlehem. He walked among us, healing the sick, raising the dead, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom. Though He was without sin, He was crucified on a cross, bearing the weight of our transgressions. But on the third day, He rose from the dead, victorious over sin and death. Through His sacrifice, we are redeemed, and the promise of eternal life is ours. *For His steadfast love endures forever.*
Now, we who believe are called to live as children of light, reflecting God’s love to a broken world. We look forward to the day when Christ will return, and every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that He is Lord. On that day, we will join the heavenly chorus, singing, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” *For His steadfast love endures forever.*
From the creation of the world to the redemption of our souls, God’s love has been the thread that weaves through history. It is a love that cannot be earned, a love that will not let us go. It is a love that endures forever. *For His steadfast love endures forever.*
