20231027

looking for a life-response

Psalm 116:1-19

Psalm 116:1 I love him because Yahveh hears my voice, my pleas for mercy.
Psalm 116:2 I’ll call out to him as long as I live because he listens closely to me.
Psalm 116:3 Death’s ropes were around me. Sheol was closing in on me. I was worried and afraid.
Psalm 116:4 I called on the name of Yahveh, “Please Yahveh, rescue my throat!”
Psalm 116:5 Yahveh is gracious and fair, our God is merciful,
Psalm 116:6 Yahveh protects the simple. I was low and he delivered me.
Psalm 116:7 Turn back, O my throat, to your rest, because Yahveh has done good things for you.
Psalm 116:8 You have delivered my throat from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from being overthrown.
Psalm 116:9 I walk obediently before Yahveh In the lands of the living.
Psalm 116:10 I believed, because I said, I — I have been humbled greatly.
Psalm 116:11 I said while I hurried away, ‘Everyone is a liar.’
Psalm 116:12 How can I repay Yahveh for all His benefits to me?
Psalm 116:13 I will take the cup of deliverance and call on the name of Yahveh.
Psalm 116:14 I will fulfill my vows to Yahveh in the presence of all his people.
Psalm 116:15 The death of his faithful ones is valuable in Yahveh’s sight.
Psalm 116:16 I am your servant. I am your servant, son of your handmaid, you hast opened my chains.
Psalm 116:17 To Thee I sacrifice a sacrifice of thanks, And on the name of Yahveh I call.
Psalm 116:18 Let me complete my vows to Yahveh, I pray, before all His people,
Psalm 116:19 In the courts of the house of Yahveh, In your midst, O Jerusalem, praise ye Jah!

looking for a life-response

Donald Wrigley wrote that this psalm “witnesses to the fact that our God is alive and responsive to the prayers and needs of his people. In recalling times of distress when the Lord has come to our aid, we may think, “How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me?” We must remember that God doesn’t sell his blessings. He gives them freely through his Son, Jesus. He’s not looking for repayment. He’s looking for a life response of faith, obedience, and sincere worship.”