Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.

His love endures forever. (NIV)

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Have you ever tried to shake your self-doubt by looking in the mirror and mustering up a “you got this”? Studies show the benefits of positive self-talk; it can be a helpful coping tool when one is facing a challenging or stressful situation. Using positive affirmations has been shown to boost confidence and self-esteem. What we tell ourselves matters, especially words that have been continually repeated over and over.

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Psalm 136 is said to be liturgical, meaning the call and repetition of the words are to be sung as a song. This song was to be sung as an act of public worship, with the Levites, the temple priests, singing the first part, and the latter being a patterned response from the people.

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This psalm reminds me of the power of self-talk, only this is not to oneself, but to the one true God. And the power is in the phrase repeated 26 times: “His love endures forever.”

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Today, you might need the power of this repetitive truth: that there is always something to be thankful for, whether you are enduring or enjoying.

Today is Valentine’s Day, a day that commercializes love and romance, and a day that somehow turned from honoring a martyr to sending candy and cards adorned with Cupid, the Roman god of desire. Today is also Ash Wednesday, marking the first day of Lent. The juxtaposition is clear: a day that celebrates romance (and chocolate indulgence) meets the start of a season of self-denial and reflection. How do we hold both of these in our hearts?

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Psalm 136 gives us some insight. The repetitive ending phrase, “His love endures forever,” can also be translated as “His mercy endures forever” (KJB) or “His lovingkindness endures forever” (NASB). The ESV uses, “His steadfast love,” and the NLT, “His faithful love endures forever.” However translated, the love being described is the Hebrew word hesed, which refers to Yahweh’s grace in action. Hesed is showing love beyond what was required.

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True love is found in the Creator God, and true love is displayed by his son Jesus at Calvary. When we receive a note that makes us feel special, give thanks to the Lord. He is the author of that love. When we feel lonely or in despair, receive the promise that God’s love endures for you. Recognize that to endure means to suffer patiently – Christ left his heavenly throne “to make himself nothing, taking on the nature of a servant, and was made in human likeness. He humbled himself and became obedient to death on a cross” (Phil 2:7-8).  Christ considered it joy to go to the cross out of his love for you (Heb. 12:2). The Scripture gives us a beautiful promise after this verse: “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Heb.12:3). We can be encouraged that Jesus also experienced loneliness and despair, particularly from those he came to save.

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Perhaps you woke up not even realizing what day it is, or maybe you are dreading going to work, looking at all the flowers. Maybe you are anticipating the smooch from a loved one, or perhaps this is the day when you, like Christ, step into self-denial. No matter what today holds for you, I encourage you to read all of Psalm 136 today. Its truth will ground you in God’s hesed and encourage you as you endure, like Christ, through denial and reflection.

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How can you incorporate this Psalm as some positive 'God-talk' in your thought life today? When things don’t meet your expectations, give thanks because the Lord is good, always. When you throw away the wrapper or card from a loved one, give thanks to God, for he is the author of such love in action. And when things seem beyond your physical or mental strength, use this Psalm to repeat back: God remembers me, sets me free, and provides (v. 23-25). May this Psalm be the meditation of your heart and the response on your lips.

Lord, I praise you that you are the Author of love. I praise you that, not only are you love, but you demonstrate your love in action: you sent your son Jesus to live the perfect life that we couldn’t, so that through his sacrifice we could be forgiven. Thank you, Jesus, that you endured the cross, scorning it shame, and denying yourself so that we might have true life. May we carry your truth and respond in thanksgiving to all we do today. Amen.