PSALMS 116

The 116 ^th Psalm, although seemingly anonymous, reflects an attitude of gratitude that should be a part of the life of every child of God. As one moves through this text, he cannot help but be impressed with the fullness of the Psalmist’s appreciation for what God had done for him, and this in turn moved him to ask the question: “What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me?” (v. 12).

First, just what are these “benefits?” The writer lists several of them and we should note these before going to a response to the question of verse 12.

1. There is the inclined ear of God (v. 2). Like an anxious father, God will hear his children (cf. Psa. 40:1; 1 Pet. 3:12 ). Here is God’s interest in his children demonstrated. When it seems that no one else will hear, God has his ear opened to them.

2. There is deliverance (vv. 3, 8). Physical is the lot of all men, and so is of no real consequence to the Christian. But God delivers from a greater than that; he saves from a spiritual demise. We have the assurance of victory over (1 Cor. 15:55 -57; Heb. 2:14-15).

3. There is bountiful provision (v. 7). What do we truly need that God has not supplied? Our “wants” often exceed our “needs” (cf. 1 Tim. 6:6f; Phil. 4:11 -12) Do we not remember the great promise of Jesus (Matt. 6:33 )?

4. There is freedom from (v. 16). Many people think they are “free,” for they think they may do anything they choose with impunity. But the freest man in the world is the one who is a slave to Christ!

How then shall we reciprocate, or as the question is asked: “What shall I render unto the Lord …?” There are several things in the Psalm that ought to be examples to us in our remembering God’s benefits toward us. These benefits ought to cause every child of God to freely say:

1. I will love him (v. 1). Did he not first demonstrate his love for me (1 John 4:19 )? Do we not understand that man’s first duty is to love God with everything he is and has (Matt. 22:37)? Here is the basis of all our conduct toward God, and it is something all should freely render unto God.

2. I will call upon him (v. 2). Here is a great expression of gratitude toward God. Our call to God should be for comfort; for help; for salvation. No child of God will ever outgrow his need to call upon God, and this is recognized by the Psalmist, for he said he would call upon God “as long as I live.”

3. I will rest in him (v. 7). Life is filled with labor, toil and sorrow. It often seems there is no rest for the sole of the weary foot in this life. But Jesus promised rest to all that would come to him (Matt. 11:28 -29). The Psalmist in another place recognized that in the Lord is the place for true rest, for he said: “Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law; that thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked” (94:12-13). To the faithful child of God, even brings rest (Rev. 14:13).

4. I will walk with him (v. 9). To walk with God means one does not lag behind God in fear; that he does not go ahead of God in presumption, or go aside in digression. God called Abraham to “walk before me …” (Gen. 17:1). Hezekiah said, “I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight” (2 Kgs. 20:3). If such great men as these walked with God, should we not feel the need to do so (2 Cor. 5:7)?

5. I will speak for him (v. 10). Such speech might take many forms. I can tell others what God has done for me. I can praise God, and ought never let my tongue be silent in such matters. I must be his spokesman today (1 Pet. 4:11 ).

6. I will take from him (v. 13). This “taking” is not an act of avarice, but a demonstration of dependence upon God. He is the only one who has what man truly needs. It may sound paradoxical, but it is true: “We render honor to God by taking from him!” I will show how much I appreciate God’s blessings by drinking deeply of his “cup of salvation.” God is not stingy, and with an open hand he says: “I have what you need; take freely of it.”

7. I will offer to him (vv. 17-18). This means I will give “sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Heb. 13:15 -16). It means that I will give him myself as a “living sacrifice” ( Rom. 12:1-2).

Finally, all this will be open for all to see, for the Psalmist said he would render to God “in the presence of all the people” (v. 18). God’s benefits! What will I in turn render to him?
– Bill Moseley