For whatever reason, I think just saying thank you is not enough. My “thank you” is always accompanied by a bow. Whether it is the uncle or the auntie who put food on my plate during dinner, the rider who delivered my food, the cashier who said thank you to me, the person who held the elevator door open for me, I always say thank you with a bow. How do you say your “thank you”?
Psalm 116 is a beautiful expression of thanksgiving and love for God. The psalmist is evidently a person who has firsthand experience of God’s deliverance. The opening verse attests that he has been rescued from great distress.
He then proceeds to recount how God saved him from various dangers. He recognizes God’s faithfulness and compassion. He vows to call on the Lord as long as he lives. His profound gratitude prompts his question in verse twelve. His answer is simple yet profound – to live a life of worship, thanksgiving, and obedience.
Psalm 116 invites us to reflect on the ways God has been present in our lives. It reminds us of the many times God has delivered us from difficult situations and answering our prayers. It challenges us to respond with thanksgiving and to dedicate our lives to God who is always faithful and loving. Ponder on the immutability of God. Knowing that he does not change, does it encourage you to trust him even more?
Do we treat God as a vending machine or a genie in a bottle? Do we just summon him when we need him and then dismiss him once we get what we want? Do we appreciate his help? Do we respond accordingly by loving a life of worship, thanksgiving, and obedience?
I invite you to say this prayer.
Father, I thank you for hearing my cries and delivering me from my troubles. Help me to live with a grateful heart, always remembering your goodness and faithfulness. May my life reflect my love and devotion to you. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
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