The Established Path of Discipleship

Thuh-wack . . . thuh-whack . . . thuh-wack! The repetitive sound of a pile driver is enough to drive anyone crazy. I remember one time when my son-in-law, who works in road and bridge construction, was telling me about his job. He mentioned how an inspector must count the number of strikes on the pile to ensure the construction meets specifications. I couldn’t help but wonder if that inspector’s job made it on an episode of Mike Rowe’s Dirty Jobs. Repetition is annoying. It isn’t lovely to our ears. And yet, there are some things we love to hear repeated.

One thing I often hear while reading Scripture is that God loves me. The frequent mentions of God’s love for his people bring comfort and reassurance. God’s love is a steadfast presence that overshadows every book of the Bible. The phrase “for his steadfast love endures forever” appears in all twenty-six verses of Psalm 136. Unlike the repetition of some contemporary worship songs, the repetition of Psalm 136 is not irritating. It is a beautiful and constant reminder of God’s unwavering love, a love that provides us with security and peace in all circumstances.

The reason for giving thanks in Psalm 136 is “for his steadfast love endures forever.” It is the reason we give thanks for who God is: the great I am who is good (v. 1), the God of gods (v. 2), and the Lord of lords (v. 3). It is the reason we give thanks for the God who creates (4-9). It is the reason why we thank God, who saves and delivers us safely to the Promised Land (vv. 10-25). This psalm is not merely a command to give thanks; it models how to give thanks by testifying to the transformative power of God’s love, inspiring us to live in gratitude and hope, knowing that His love can change our lives.

Just as a pile driver drives piles into the sea floor, this psalm drives the truth of God’s steadfast love into our hearts. One strike is not enough. And I dare say, twenty-six times is not enough. The repetition of this message is not a mere formality but a necessity. We must hear about God’s love daily to feel its impact and relevance. Just like a pile driver must strike the pile multiple times to ensure its stability, we must repeatedly hear about God’s love to anchor our faith and understanding. 

When I sin, God’s steadfast love for me endures forever.

When I repent, God’s steadfast love for me endures forever.

When I doubt, God’s steadfast love for me endures forever.

When I believe, God’s steadfast love for me endures forever.

When I cower in fear, God’s steadfast love for me endures forever.

When I show great courage, God’s steadfast love for me endures forever.

When I weep, God’s steadfast love for me endures forever.

When I laugh, God’s steadfast love for me endures forever.

When I work, God’s love for me endures forever.

When I rest, God’s love for me endures forever.

If the pile of your heart needs another strike today, remember that God’s steadfast love endures for you forever. His love is not fleeting or temporary but a constant, unwavering presence in your life, reminding you that you are loved and cherished.