Higher than the mountains that I face
Stronger than the power of the grave
Constant in the trial and the change
One thing remains…
Your love never fails, never gives up
never runs out on me…
I have often heard the more senior participants in the church complain when a chorus is vigorously repeated for the congregation to sing in worship. Most want a “one and done” song with a chorus to sing so they can sit back down and be comfy. They wonder, and question out loud, why do we sing the words over and over again? I know, I know! (Picture me raising my hand to answer! LOL)
Psalm 136 is a great example of why with a response chorus the congregation in on repeat! It didn’t begin with the popular writings of choruses in our Maranatha days—It began centuries ago by those who led in worship in the Temple as a way to declare all that God has done and created for us! What more can we say? God’s love is the only response a human can give in return—”God’s love never quits”, or in the more familiar translation, “God’s love endures forever!” sums up the character of God!
Because GOD’s love never quits, never gives up on us and because God never sleeps and is always Present to help us in our time of need, the only response to a God who is repetitive in His goodness is to repetitively declare His goodness in worship to Him—over and over again! It is the only response that fits the greatness and power of God’s Love!
If we truly stood and sang of His love every time He rescued, healed, provided a way out, overcame harsh circumstances with the beauty of His goodness there would not be enough time on earth to gratefully declare all He has done!
“God, Your love indeed endures forever—your love never quits!” This is way I stand in awe of you and forever will sing of the wonders of your love. Your love was supremely demonstrated when while I was a mess, laying in my puddles of sin and shame; Christ died for me. He died for you. Oh, Lord God, I’ve seen it, heard it over and over; your love never quits!
Then, because of God’s love, He raised Jesus Christ from death in victory over evil, defeating the one who seeks to destroy all relationships to God. Jesus, God’s Son is our Overcomer of all things evil! God responded with the bonus gift of eternal life to all who believe in Jesus! His love endures forever indeed!
If that wasn’t enough; Jesus, after God’s resurrection power, appeared among his followers—to the women first with a command—go and tell the others, and they obeyed. Soon Jesus was seen and heard by his followers—with the scars of war with evil still evident on his hands, side and feet three days later! Yes, His love never quits—never gives up on us!
On and on and on and on it goes
It overwhelms and satisfies my soul
And I never, ever, have to be afraid
One thing remains…
Your love never fails, never gives up
never runs out on me…
In death, In life, I’m confident and
Covered by, the power of Your great love
My debt is paid, there’s nothing that
Can separate my heart from Your great love…because
Your love never fails, never gives up
never runs out on me…
(One Thing Remains, Written by Brian Johnson, Christa Black Gifford, Jeremy Riddle)
Psalm 136, The Message
1-3 Thank God! He deserves your thanks.
His love never quits.
Thank the God of all gods,
His love never quits.
Thank the Lord of all lords.
His love never quits.
4-22 Thank the miracle-working God,
His love never quits.
The God whose skill formed the cosmos,
His love never quits.
The God who laid out earth on ocean foundations,
His love never quits.
The God who filled the skies with light,
His love never quits.
The sun to watch over the day,
His love never quits.
Moon and stars as guardians of the night,
His love never quits.
The God who struck down the Egyptian firstborn,
His love never quits.
And rescued Israel from Egypt’s oppression,
His love never quits.
Took Israel in hand with his powerful hand,
His love never quits.
Split the Red Sea right in half,
His love never quits.
Led Israel right through the middle,
His love never quits.
Dumped Pharaoh and his army in the sea,
His love never quits.
The God who marched his people through the desert,
His love never quits.
Smashed huge kingdoms right and left,
His love never quits.
Struck down the famous kings,
His love never quits.
Struck Sihon the Amorite king,
His love never quits.
Struck Og the Bashanite king,
His love never quits.
Then distributed their land as booty,
His love never quits.
Handed the land over to Israel.
His love never quits.
23-26 God remembered us when we were down,
His love never quits.
Rescued us from the trampling boot,
His love never quits.
Takes care of everyone in time of need.
His love never quits.
Thank God, who did it all!
His love never quits!
Lord, God of all,
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Your love never quits and endures forever. I believe. Let the morning bring word of your unfailing love has been answered. My response is to praise you all day long because I know whom I have believed—The One and Only whose love endures forever. Help me to love like you love us.
In Jesus Name, Amen
