First, give thanks for God's unfailing love (1-3). This is the first of the 44 thanksgiving poems in Book V. The psalmist urges the redeemed to give thanks to God and to tell their story. For the Lord redeemed Israel from the hands of the foe, especially Babylon. He gathered them from all corners of the lands. The Lord is good. His love endures forever! Second, give thanks for his wonderful deeds (4-22). Here the psalmist well illustrates how much they were wandering in desert wastelands, suffering in utter darkness in iron chains and became fools in affliction because of their iniquities (4,10,17). Yet in their troubles when they cried out to the Lord, God saved and delivered them from each of their distresses (6b,13b,19b). Therefore the redeemed should give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds (8,15,21). Yes, we sinned endlessly causing God's faire judgment for our sins. Yet God heard and saved whenever we cried out to the Lord. Especially God sent his one and only Son to save us from our sin, death and Satan. Praise the Lord!
Application: Lord, we give thanks to you for your unfailing love and your wonderful forgiveness for our sins by sending Jesus!
One Word: Your love endures forever