Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!1
Let God’s chosen people, particularly those who fear him, say, “His steadfast love endures forever.”2 Recall how many times he has rescued you. Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free. The LORD is on my side, I will not fear. What can man do to me? The LORD is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.3 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.4
Trust God! It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princess.5
Pause, and ask yourself, “Who is God to me?” Is he your strength, your praise, your Savior?6 Do you have the assurance of his presence? Do you have the confidence that he extends his right hand of approval and protection towards you?7 In short, do you know him for who he is, and does he know you? We are not discussing religion. Sometimes in my desire to shed light to the darkness,8 I am rebuffed, “I am not converting to your church!” (Whereas there was never an invite to convert; besides what good would that have accomplished? Salvation does not depend on religion nor works9) But if one is willing, I extend a sincere invite to be informed of the truth10 through Scripture, and so be transformed.11
Jesus holds the key; we don’t! There is no other way to attain our righteousness and be saved other than through Jesus.12 Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the LORD. This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it. I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation.13 The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.14
This is the day that the LORD as made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.15 You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God; I will extol you. Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.16
From beginning to end, give thanks to the LORD for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.17 Amen!
Notes:
1. Psalm 118:1
2. Psalm 118:2-4
3. Psalm 118:5-7
4. Psalm 23:1-4
5. Psalm 118:8-9
6. Psalm 118:14
7. Psalm 118:15-16
8. Matthew 5:16
9. Ephesians 2:8-10
10. John 17:3, John 8:31-32
11. Romans 12:2
12. Acts 4:12
13. Psalm 118:19-21
14. Psalm 118:22-23; Matthew 21:42
15. Psalm 118:24
16. Psalm 118:28-29
17. Psalm 118:1, 29; 1 Chronicles 16:34; Psalm 107:1
