Good morning! When I was on college, I took a children’s ministry class that was so much fun! To give you an idea of how much fun, the professor wore bright red converse shoes everywhere he went – It didn’t matter if he was dressed up for class or hanging out in sweats outside of the classroom. Anyone who does that has to be fun, right?!
During class we learned how to present object lessons that would help to grab the attention of kids, but keep the interest of any age group listening. It was a great class that really encouraged us to be authentic and allow our personalities, experiences, and passions shine through the way that we presented.
One day the professor said something that has stuck with me for the last twenty two years. It may not be the most spiritual thing, but when applied to our spiritual growth, it can pay big dividends. He told the class the following saying:
“Repetition is the key to learning,
repetition is the key to learning,
repetition is the key to learning.”
I find myself saying this over and over as I navigate life and want to memorize or remember something. When new people come to the church and I want to remember their names, I write them down and repeat them at least three times. If I need to remember a phone number or temporary passcode, I repeat it to myself. When I want to memorize scripture, I read it and reread it until it becomes a part of me.
There is a Psalm that reminds me of this principle of repetition being the key to learning. In Psalm 136 every verse includes the phrase – “His love endures forever.”
I encourage you to take a moment to read the whole Psalm today, it’s only twenty six short verses. As you read it, pay attention to the following themes that can be found throughout.
Giving Thanks
The first three verses open with a call to give thanks because the Lord is GOOD! This is something that we need to be reminded of, especially when things don’t seem to be going our way. Our circumstances do not dictate whether or not God is good. He is ALWAYS GOOD!
God’s Sovereignty
The next six verses tell of God’s sovereignty – His ultimate power and authority! God is not only our Creator, but He made everything we see today! This helps us to remember that He is in control, nothing is impossible for God!
God’s Deliverance
The next six verses talk about how God delivered His people, the Israelites, from the bondage of slavery in Egypt. This should remind us that He is able to deliver us from the bondage of slavery to sin. Sin does not have to control your life! When you accept the work of Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice for your sin, He brings freedom and victory!
God’s Guidance
The next seven verses talk about how God guided His people to the Promised Land. He went before them in a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night; He went ahead of them to defeat their enemies. When we trust in God and allow Him to lead us, we too can experience the victory and blessing that comes with obedience.
Reminder of God’s Love
The final four verses are the culmination that reminds us that God’s love never ends! No matter what you have done in the past or where you are right now, God LOVES you!
Our response to Him should always be praise! I am so thankful for what God has done and continues to do in my life! He constantly reveals His love to me through every moment of my life. It doesn’t matter if I’m working at the office, playing in the yard, sitting on the couch watching tv, or reading the Bible – God is always teaching me about how much He loves me!
You might say, how? My answer would be… if you are constantly aware of God’s Presence in Your life, He will always reveal Himself to you – and 1 John 4:8 tells us that God is LOVE!
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us today that Your love endures forever! It is because of Your great love that we should choose to praise You in every moment! Help us to remember Your sovereignty, deliverance, and guidance as we walk through each day and respond by giving thanks! Help us to remind ourselves constantly that You are with us so that we can walk confidently through any situation. In Jesus Name – AMEN!
Be Transformed 