for He is good
The goodness of God is a foundational attribute, underscoring His moral perfection and benevolent actions towards His creation. This phrase reassures believers of God's trustworthy nature and His intentions for their well-being. The concept of God's goodness is prevalent throughout Scripture, from the creation narrative in Genesis, where God declares His creation "good," to the teachings of Jesus, who affirms God's goodness in passages like Matthew 19:17. The goodness of God is also a source of comfort and hope, as it assures believers of His righteous and just character.

His loving devotion endures forever
This phrase highlights the Hebrew word "hesed," often translated as "loving devotion," "steadfast love," or "mercy." It conveys God's covenantal faithfulness and unwavering commitment to His people. The enduring nature of God's loving devotion is a recurring theme in the Psalms and is central to the understanding of His relationship with Israel. This eternal aspect of God's love is fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, whose sacrificial love on the cross exemplifies the ultimate expression of "hesed." The assurance that God's love endures forever provides believers with confidence in His promises and eternal plan.

Psalm 136 opens with an imperative: “Give thanks to the LORD.” Gratitude is not optional for God’s people; it is a direct command that acknowledges His rightful place as Lord. Throughout Scripture, thanksgiving is the gateway into God’s presence—“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise” (Psalm 100:4). Paul echoes this posture when he urges believers to “give thanks in every circumstance” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Whether in abundance or need, recognizing God as the source of every good gift (James 1:17) shapes our worship and aligns our hearts with His purposes.

Practical ways to cultivate this gratitude include:

• Keep a running list of daily blessings, big and small.

• Verbally acknowledge God’s help when sharing testimonies.

• Sing or read psalms aloud (Colossians 3:16).

The motivation behind our thanksgiving is God’s essential goodness. Scripture repeatedly affirms, “Taste and see that the LORD is good” (Psalm 34:8) and “The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of distress” (Nahum 1:7). His goodness is not situational or shifting; it is rooted in His unchanging character (Malachi 3:6). Jesus Himself states, “No one is good except God alone” (Mark 10:18), underscoring that every expression of genuine goodness finds its origin in Him.

Consider how His goodness is displayed:

• Moral purity—He is light, and in Him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5).

• Generosity—He “gives generously to all without finding fault” (James 1:5).

• Protection—He is “a refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

Here the psalmist highlights God’s steadfast, covenant love—a love that outlasts circumstances, empires, and even human unfaithfulness. This refrain appears in every verse of Psalm 136, underscoring its central theme. Similar wording bookends Psalm 118: “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” Jeremiah witnessed national calamity yet testified, “Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail” (Lamentations 3:22–23).

What makes this love so remarkable?

• It is eternal—“From everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s loving devotion is with those who fear Him” (Psalm 103:17).

• It is unbreakable—Nothing “will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38–39).

• It is active—God’s love moved Him to redeem Israel from Egypt (Psalm 136:10–12) and culminated in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross (John 3:16).

Psalm 136:1 calls believers to thankful worship because God is unchangingly good and His faithful love never expires. When our praise flows from this dual truth—His goodness and His everlasting loving devotion—we anchor ourselves in realities that cannot be shaken. Gratitude honors God, reminds us of His benevolent nature, and strengthens our trust that His steadfast love will carry us through every season.