Psalm 136

“To Him who made the heavens with skill, for His lovingkindness is everlasting” (v5).  Like us, the ancient Israelites lived with the daily pressures of providing for their families, getting along with others, coping with sickness, debt and uncertainty.  This song exhorted them to lift up their eyes and see the enormous, beautiful world God created as proof of His everlasting love.  As well as praise for creation, this song also gives thanks God’s help: “to Him who led His people through the wilderness” (v16). 

Our vision can become small.  When we lift up our eyes, we see God’s universe-wide beauty, and we remember that “His lovingkindness is everlasting.”