Message Notes

(I) A PSALM TOTALLY DEDICATED TO THE THEME OF “GOD’S MERCY”

1. Other Psalms mention the mercy of the Lord

2. Psalm 136 is dedicated to extolling the mercy of the Lord

3. With a great sense of deliberation and purpose

(II) RATIONALE BEHIND THE CHOICE OF THIS THEME

1. Through understanding history

“To Him who struck Egypt in their firstborn
For His mercy endures forever”        Psalm 136:10

2. Through reflection

“To Him who alone does great wonders,
For His mercy endures forever”      Psalm 136:4

3. In Awe

“To Him who by wisdom made the heavens,
For His mercy endures forever”      Psalm 136:5

4. In Gratitude

“And gave their land as a heritage,
For His mercy endures forever”      Psalm 136:21

5. With Joy

“Oh, give thanks to the God of Heaven,
For His mercy endures forever”     Psalm 136:26

(III) AN EXAMINATION OF THE THEME OF “GOD’S MERCY”

1. Pondering over God’s Mercy

a) Undeserved favour

b) Grace extended

c) Extensive nature appreciated

d) Blessings multiplied

2. Challenge to give Heartfelt Thanks

“Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.

Oh, give thanks to God of gods!
For His mercy endures forever!

Oh give thanks to the LORD of lords!
For His mercy endures forever”                  Psalm 136:1-3

a) To the Good Lord!

b) To the God of gods!

c) To the LORD of lords!

d) With every thought of God

POEM

PASSING THROUGH

“When thou passest thro’ the waters,”

Deep the waves may be, and cold,

But Jehovah is our refuge

And His promise is our hold;

For the Lord Himself has said it,

He the faithful God and true;

“When thou comest to the waters,

Thou shalt not go down, but thro.”

Seas of sorrow, seas of trial,

Bitterest anguish, fiercest pain,

Rolling surges of temptation,

Sweeping over heart and brain,

They shall never overflow us,

For we know His word is true;

All His waves and all his billows

He will lead us safely through.

Threatening breakers of destruction,

Doubt’s insidious undertow,

Shall not sink us, shall not drag us

Out to ocean depths of woe;

For His promise shall sustain us,

Praise the Lord, whose word is true!

We shall not go down nor under,

He hath said, “Thou passest thro”

– Annie Johnson Flint –