Scripture Daily

Context No. 3756 of 4322 · Psalms

Context · Reflection

Psalms 116:1-19: in context

1I love the LORD, because he listens to my voice, and my cries for mercy. 2Because he has turned his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live. 3The cords of death surrounded me, the pains of Sheol got a hold of me. I found trouble and sorrow. 4Then I called on the LORD’s name: “LORD, I beg you, deliver my soul.” 5The LORD is gracious and righteous. Yes, our God is merciful. 6The LORD preserves the simple. I was brought low, and he saved me. 7Return to your rest, my soul, for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you. 8For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. 9I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living. 10I believed, therefore I said, “I was greatly afflicted.” 11I said in my haste, “All people are liars.” 12What will I give to the LORD for all his benefits toward me? 13I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the LORD’s name. 14I will pay my vows to the LORD, yes, in the presence of all his people. 15Precious in the LORD’s sight is the death of his saints. 16LORD, truly I am your servant. I am your servant, the son of your servant girl. You have freed me from my chains. 17I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call on the LORD’s name. 18I will pay my vows to the LORD, yes, in the presence of all his people, 19in the courts of the LORD’s house, in the middle of you, Jerusalem. Praise the LORD!

This psalm opens with a warmth rare even in the Psalms: I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. The psalmist recalls a time when the cords of death encompassed him, when he was brought low, and how he called on the LORD and was saved. Now, delivered, his heart overflows with love and gratitude.

And he asks the question every rescued person should ask: what shall I return to the LORD for all his benefits to me? His answer is not to try to repay God, which is impossible, but to receive still more from him, I will lift up the cup of salvation, and to give himself in grateful devotion, paying his vows before all God's people. Two things stand out. Love for God grows from the experience of his mercy; the psalmist loves because God heard and saved him. And gratitude expresses itself not in repaying God but in receiving his salvation and offering him our wholehearted devotion. When God has heard and delivered us, the fitting response is not repayment but love, thanksgiving, and a life offered back to him.

When I remember how God has heard and delivered me, does my heart respond with the love and grateful devotion of one who knows he cannot repay, only receive and give himself back?

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