Sermon Recap: Psalm 136

Grateful Hearts

Psalm 136

This Sunday, we explored Psalm 136 in our message "Grateful Hearts," where the psalmist leads us in a profound act of corporate worship—giving thanks not for what we have, but for who God is and what He has done. This psalm reminds us that true gratitude isn't circumstantial; it's rooted in the unchanging character and faithful love of God.

We discovered that gratitude is more than a polite response or positive thinking—it's an act of worship that flows from knowing God deeply, remembering His mighty works, and trusting in His enduring love. When gratitude is anchored in God Himself rather than our circumstances, it becomes unshakable.

Gratitude is an act of worship rooted in the One who loves us, not the things we have.

Here's how Psalm 136 cultivates a heart of true thanksgiving:

1. Gratitude Grows as We Remember Who God is and What He Has Done.

• He is the Most High God – Our gratitude begins by recognizing God's supreme authority and goodness. He alone is worthy of our thanks.

• He is Creator – The God who made the heavens, the earth, the sun, moon, and stars by His wisdom is the same God who formed you with purpose and care.

• He is Rescuer – From the beginning, God has been in the business of delivering His people from bondage and bringing them into freedom.

• He is Victor – No power, no enemy, no obstacle can stand against our God. His victories in history assure us of His power today.

• He is Provider – God not only creates and rescues—He sustains, nourishes, and meets the needs of all His creatures.

2. Gratitude Flourishes When We Hope in His Unfailing Love.

• "For His steadfast love endures forever" – This refrain appears 26 times in this psalm—a constant, rhythmic reminder that God's love is not fickle or conditional. It's chesed—His loyal, covenant love that never fails, never ends, never gives up. This is the foundation of all our gratitude.

Listen to the Sermon:

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Reflection Questions:

1. What aspect of God's character most stirs your heart to gratitude today?

2. When you reflect on your own story, where do you see evidence of God's rescue, provision, or guidance?

3. How does knowing that God's love "endures forever" change the way you face current challenges or uncertainties?

4. In what practical ways can you cultivate a habit of remembering God's faithfulness—both in Scripture and in your own life?

Resources:

• Podcast: “Cultivating Gratitude: A Christian Perspective” (CCEF)

• Book: The Songs of Jesus (Timothy Keller and Kathy Keller)

• Book: Steadfast Love: The Response of God to the Cries of Our Heart (Lauren Chandler)

• Book: A Praying Life (Paul Miller)

Songs from Sunday:

• Jesus, Thank You

• Thanks and Praise

• There is One Gospel

• Great is Thy Faithfulness

Find these and all the songs we sing for corporate worship on our OTC Worship Songs playlist.