“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1 NIV)

Living in northern Canada takes its toll upon one’s skin, especially during the long, cold, dry winter. Thus, sixteen months ago, on the spur of the moment while I was doing my monthly shopping, I grabbed a bottle of a new, foaming face cleanser. In my opinion, the product was rather pricey for such a small container, but I was hoping that it would be worth the expense. I am delighted to report that it was. In fact, it still is. I expected the product to last at least a few months, but here I am, sixteen months later, still on the first bottle. Now, that’s not a good deal — but a great one! Over the last six months, especially as I have continued to keep pumping out an allotted amount each evening, I have come to think of it as the never-ending purchase, as it just keeps going and going.

This little incident brought to my mind something else that just keeps going and going, though I never had to purchase it. It was a free gift. My face cleanser will in due time run dry, but the love of God never will. No matter how long we live, or what we do, or where we go, the love of God endures forever. What an amazing thought and truth! Human love waxes and wanes, but not the love of God. It continues faithfully throughout every season and situation of our lives:

• Whether we are surrounded by friends and family or have been abandoned by all;
• Whether we are blossoming with health or lying upon a bed, sick with pain and frailty;
• Whether we are rich or poor;
• Whether we are serving God with zeal and might or have fallen away and are wandering in darkness.

God’s love endures forever. When fully grasped, this is a truth that compels us from deep within, just as it did the psalmist, to give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever and has the power to sustain us from birth through death and beyond.

Today, may all of our hearts unite as we say aloud, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever”, and may each one of us pray:

Prayer: Father God, I often ponder why You love such a one as me. Yet Your Word boldly proclaims that You do, and that Your love is never-ending; it endures forever. I pray that in light of this amazing truth, I will forever and ever give thanks to You, Lord, for You and You alone are indeed good. In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.

Copyright © 2021, by Lynne Phipps <lynnephipps@hotmail.com>, first published on the PresbyCan Daily Devotional presbycan.ca .
Atlin, British Columbia, Canada