BY KELSEY FREW, GRACE ATTENDER
Psalm 116
1 I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. 2 Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. 3 The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow. 4 Then I called on the name of the Lord: "Lord, save me!" 5 The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. 6 The Lord protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me. 7 Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. 8 For you, Lord, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, 9 that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living. 10 I trusted in the Lord when I said, "I am greatly afflicted"; 11 in my alarm I said, "Everyone is a liar." 12 What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me? 13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. 14 I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people. 15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants. 16 Truly I am your servant, Lord; I serve you just as my mother did; you have freed me from my chains. 17 I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the Lord. 18 I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people, 19 in the courts of the house of the Lord- in your midst, Jerusalem. Praise the Lord.
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It seems impossible to ever truly thank God enough for what he has done for us. The abundance of blessings he bestows upon our lives is overwhelming. God loves us, no matter what, despite our sin. He hears our prayers, our praise, and our cries for help. He walks beside us through our sorrow and He celebrates with us in our joy. God delivered us from death so that we may have an eternal life with Him.
How could we ever even begin to repay Him for such things? This Psalmist asks the same question in Psalm 116:12 “What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me?” He gives us our answers in the following passages, beginning with “I will lift the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord.” God WANTS us to lean on Him; to call upon Him. Showing loyalty and trust, honors the sacrifices He made because it proves we live for, and serve, Him and Him alone.
The subsequent passages speak of committing to a life that not only serves God but celebrates Him. We can repay God by living our lives as an example of all He has done. Sharing God’s word, serving others using our God-given skills and talents, and showing compassion to those around us; are all ways we can show God how grateful we are for His love and mercy.
Watch/listen to Amy's sermon on Psalm 116.
Reflect:
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Do you live your life in a way that honors and praises God?
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How do you show your appreciation and gratitude to God for all he has given you?
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Write down at least five people/events/things you are grateful for today and say a prayer of thanksgiving to Him for the blessings in your life.