How can I repay the Lᴏʀᴅ for all his acts of kindness to me? I will celebrate my deliverance and call on the name of the Lᴏʀᴅ.
Into the Text
Psalm 116 is a beautiful declaration of praise to the Lord. This is one of the Hallel Psalms, the songs used in praise in connection with the Passover and other Hebrew festivals. These psalms were recited or sung each year to remember the way God delivered His people from the Egyptians.
This psalm is a reminder of God’s faithfulness. The writer recounts the many ways God delivered him from trouble. He also reminds himself to rest in what the Lord has already done (v. 7). The psalmist continues to share how he is committed to serving the Lord. He longs to repay the Lord for his kindness (v. 12), something no human is ever able to do. But his desire to do so shows us how much God must have restored and redeemed his life.
This psalm of praise is meant to encourage us no matter what we’re facing. We can declare God’s deliverance, even if we don’t yet see it coming. Our faith may be shaken, but by declaring His praises we strengthen it.
Take a moment to evaluate where your faith is today. Is it easy for you to believe the attributes of God the psalmist highlights? Or, do you find yourself asking “Why hasn’t God done these things for me?”
In seasons of sorrow and pain, our best weapon against despair and hopelessness is declaring God’s praise. Cling to this truth always, especially when it is hardest to believe. One day, possibly not until we meet Him in glory, we will all say “How can I repay the Lord for all His acts of kindness to me?” We will all celebrate our deliverance that comes only and always through Him.
Prayer
God, I don’t understand why I am in this season. Even though I can’t see how this will end, I know that it will because you are sovereign and good. Amen.