Psalms 118:29
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psalms 118:29
“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” This concluding exhortation in many psalms anchors praise in two enduring truths: God’s goodness and steadfast mercy. The refrain emphasizes that gratitude is the appropriate response to God’s character. The phrase “for ever” asserts the eternal consistency of God’s mercy, providing stability amid life’s flux. The communal use in public worship strengthens collective memory of God’s deeds and faithfulness.
These lines summarize core attributes: God’s goodness and mercy. The verse offers a liturgical reminder that gratitude is not optional but central to relationship with God. Theologically, it anchors ethics: if God is good and merciful, then his people are called to reflect that goodness and mercy in their own lives.
Cultivate a habit of gratitude that precedes complaint. When faced with hardship, rehearse God’s goodness and mercy across your life—past rescue, daily mercies, and future confidence in God’s faithfulness. Practice acts of mercy toward others as a response to God’s steadfast mercy. In conversations, lead with thanks rather than complaint, shaping a hopeful, generous outlook.
Cross-References: Psalm 106:1; James 1:17; Lamentations 3:22-23; 1 Chronicles 16:34