What Shall I Render

WHAT SHALL I RENDER

Psalm 116

“What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me?” (v. 12). This is a deeply personal and sensible consideration.

I. WHAT ARE HIS BENEFITS TOWARD ME?

There is-

1. AN INCLINED EAR. “He hath inclined His ear unto me” (v. 2). He has not turned His ear away from me, but, like an anxious father, He has bent His head to listen to what His child has to say. What a precious privilege to have the listening, sympathetic ear of God.

2. DELIVERANCE FROM DEATH (v. 3). “Thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling” (v. 8). We have this victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15, 55-57 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.).

3. BOUNTIFUL TREATMENT. “The Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee” (v. 7). Out of His own fullness and in infinite grace He has supplied all your needs. Luke 15:22-23 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: Everyone Prodigals.

4. FREEDOM FROM BONDAGE. “ Thou hast loosed my bonds ” (v. 16). The bonds of sin, doubt, and fear have been broken. We’re at liberty to serve the Great Deliverer with gladness.

II. WHAT SHALL I RENDER UNTO HIM?

1. I WILL LOVE HIM (v. 1). “We love Him because He first loved us." I will yield Him the affection of my heart because He hath loved my soul out of the pit of corruption.

2. I WILL CALL UPON HIM. Yes. “As long as I live” (v. 2). This is a very expressive way of showing our gratitude to GOD.

3. I WILL REST IN HIM. “Return unto thy rest, O my soul ” (v. 7). I will show my confidence by resting my soul entirely in Him. This is what He desires. Matt. 11:28-29 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

4 I WILL WALK WITH HIM (v. 9). We should plan all the details of our daily life to His glory. We should choose Him as our constant companion (2 Cor. 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight:).

5. I WILL SPEAK FOR HIM (v. 10). I will testify to what He has done for my soul. My lips shall speak His praise, and my tongue shall not be silent.

6. I WILL TAKE FROM HIM (v. 13). This means we are to take from Him the things He has showed us. Joy, goodness, mercy, compassion, etc. and give them to others.

7. I WILL OFFER TO HIM. “I will offer to Thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving . . . I will pay my vows unto the Lord.” (w. 17-18).

The sacrifice of thanksgiving may not seem a very costly gift, but it’s pleasing unto God (Heb. 13:15-16 By him therefore let us offer the 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.).

Give Him your best because He gave His best for us.