Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my supplications.
Verse 2Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.
Verse 3The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish.
Verse 4Then I called on the name of the Lord: "O Lord, I pray, save my life!"
Verse 12What shall I return to the Lord for all his bounty to me?
Verse 13I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord,
Verse 14I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.
Verse 15Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones.
Verse 16O Lord, I am your servant; I am your servant, the child of your serving girl. You have loosed my bonds.
Verse 17I will offer to you a thanksgiving sacrifice and call on the name of the Lord.
Verse 18I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people,
Verse 19in the courts of the house of the Lord, in your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the Lord!
Devotion
This is a psalm of thanksgiving. The psalm opens with the psalmist's authentic praise: "I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my supplications." The psalmist is offering a sacrifice of thanksgiving to God for answering their cries. This is a response of joy to God's abundance and bounty the psalmist has experienced. To have joy and thanksgiving like that of the psalmist is what God's grace inspires us to do. God through the Holy Spirit daily calls us, enlightens us, gathers us and makes each of us holy—it is God who actively brings us to faith. God is here and present in all our lives. We are called by God to celebrate and share with our neighbors this love and grace of God. We are called to share the cup of salvation. How will you celebrate the ways God has called you and been active in your life?
Prayer
Present God, we give thanks for your love and abundance; help us share your joy with all. Amen.