HE HEARD MY VOICE.
Psalm 116:1-2, Psalm 116:12-19.
If I was asked why I love the LORD, I might well answer: because He heard and answered my prayer (Psalm 116:1).
Yet this may, at first glance, appear self-serving: what would I have to say for myself if my prayers had not been answered in the way that I had hoped? Experience teaches us that there will be such times, but our love must rise above that: we should be like Job, who said, ‘Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him’ (cf. Job 13:15).
The response of the Psalmist to this question does not stop at what he has experienced: but moves through that to promise (Psalm 116:2), and celebration (Psalm 116:16-17).
A testimony may well begin, “I love the Lord because…” (Psalm 116:1), or ‘Truly God is good to Israel’ (cf. Psalm 73:1), but we must also colour in the circumstances which led to that conclusion. “He inclined His ear” (Psalm 116:2), yes: but how did that get to the point where I could pledge ever after that I “will call upon His name” (Psalm 116:17)?
I see beyond these words of testimony the experience of Another, who made the impassioned plea: ‘O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me’. Yet to this there came no audible answer. He knew within His holy heart what He must do, and conceded: ‘Nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done’ (cf. Matthew 26:39).
Because of what Jesus has done for me, in dying and taking away my sins - and for all His other ‘gracious benefits’ (cf. Psalm 103:2) - “What shall I render to the LORD” (Psalm 116:12)?
I must grasp with both hands the salvation thus freely offered (Psalm 116:13). How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation (cf. Hebrews 2:3)?
I must recall and repay all those vows that I made in the heat of the moment (Psalm 116:14).
“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of” His Faithful One (cf. Psalm 116:15) - and our death in Him (cf. Romans 6:8).
He “loosed my bonds” (Psalm 116:16), and because of this I pledge myself to serve Him. He brought Israel out of Egypt for exactly this reason: ‘to serve Him in the wilderness’ (cf. Exodus 7:16).
In order that I don’t go back on my promise, says the Psalmist, I declare my loyalty to Him anew before the congregation of His people (Psalm 116:18).
This happens “In the courts of the LORD’s house: in your midst, O Jerusalem” (Psalm 116:19).
“Praise ye the LORD.”
