Saturday, March 13
“His steadfast loves endures forever”
I grew up in England and from the age of 11 years I attended an all girl’s school in the London suburb of Ealing, W5 for seven years.
From what I understand from my friends of the Roman Catholic faith I might as well have attended a convent. We had school assembly every day. Anglican morning prayer with hymns. We also had 45 minute R.E. (religious education) classes twice a week. Miss Stevens, the mistress, conducting the lessons was “nun like.” She was very old – probably in her late 50’s, wizened and had a sour countenance. Just like the mean nun in “Sound of Music.” Her greatest delight was to have us learn, by heart, a psalm to qualify our end of term examination. Yes, and as you probably have guessed, we all chose the shortest ones.
So when Evelyn gave me the choice of Psalm 136 as one of the pieces to use for the Lenten meditation I have to admit that it was not one that I or anyone else in my class had learnt. Far too long. It was familiar; I had read it and heard it before but had forgotten what a beautiful song of praise it is.
The re-occurring chorus is so wonderful and so true “for his steadfast loves endures forever.” Verses 10 thru’ 20 gives thanks and praise as it recounts the Israelites’ journey out of Egypt, telling how God took his people from slavery through the wilderness to their promised land.
When we, his people today, read it we too give thanks for the creation of this beautiful world we live in. We give thanks to Him for remembering us and loving us when we are at our lowest, in danger, in despair, hungry, homeless, lonely and feeling unloved. The promise is that whatever happens. “He is always there.” In the light of the devastating earthquake in Haiti I am amazed that those people in such dire straits are still able to believe that “his steadfast love endures forever” and sing His praises. In our world of plenty and comfort may our belief be that strong.
Give thanks each day “for his steadfast loves endures forever.” This will be my song of praise for Lent as the day of God’s greatest gift to us approaches. The sacrifice of his precious Son for the redemption of our sins – “for his steadfast loves endures forever.”
Amen.
Joyce Merrett