In this song of praise, the psalmist tells us he will offer his praise and commitment to the Lord for all the wonderful things the Lord has done for him. Here’s the psalm in its entirety: “I love the Lord because he hears and answers my prayers. Because he bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I have breath! (Yes, Lord, thank you! Let us not forget the many times you have listened to us and answered our prayers.) Death had its hands around my throat; the terrors of the grave overtook me. I saw only trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord: “Please, Lord, save me!” How kind the Lord is! How good he is! So merciful, this God of ours! The Lord protects those of childlike faith; I was facing death, and then he saved me. (Wow!!! Lord, this is my story! And if this is my story, it is the story of soooo many others. You just didn’t do it for me. Lord, we love you!) Now I can rest again, for the Lord has been so good to me. He has saved me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. (Yes, Lord! Thank you!) And so I walk in the Lord’s presence as I live here on earth! I believed in you, so I prayed, “I am deeply troubled, Lord,” In my anxiety I cried out to you, “These people are all liars!” What can I offer the Lord for all he has done for me? I will lift up a cup symbolizing his salvation; I will praise the Lord’s name for saving me. I will keep my promises to the Lord in the presence of all his people. (Yes, Lord! Help us do the same!)
The Lord’s loved ones are precious to him; it grieves him when they die. O Lord, I am your servant; yes, I am your servant, the son of your handmaid, and you have freed me from my bonds! I will offer you a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord. I will keep my promises to the Lord in the presence of all his people, in the house of the Lord, in the heart of Jerusalem.
Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 116)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Thank you for rescuing us when we needed you the most. When we called on your name, you answered us! As a result, Lord, help us continually honor you and be childlike in our faith…praising you as long as we have breath! Lord, we love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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