Reading: Psalm 116

My spirit has been lifted and my heart encouraged in reading this Psalm.

“Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live” (2).

“Then called I upon the name of the LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul” (4).

“The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me” (6).

“Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee” (7).

“For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling” (8).

“O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds” (16).

“I see what you mean by lifting and encouraging,” you might say, “but what’s with the title of this post?”

“What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?” (12).

What’s my answer?

What’s yours?

from Psalm 116:9

A little bit more from Psalm 116: Yes, Indeed — What?

Reading: Psalm 115

“Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake” (1).

I enjoy recognition and commendation. Or to put it more crassly, I like glory.

But verse one of this Psalm very truly is the cry of my heart.

Any “crowns” and glory I may receive, I want to transfer them to Him.

That’s what the “For God” is about in the title.

The “For Me” part is this:

“The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children” (14).

I read that promise and my heart immediately jumped in to claim it.

Like a frightened child in the dark clings to his Daddy, so I cling to that promise.

I so desperately want my children to increase more and more — in spirituality, in godliness, in commitment, in holiness, in service, in love, in kindness, in encouragement, in joy, in peace, in fulfilment, in contentment, in usefulness. (The list is barely started.)

Just like I want me and my wife to increase in those things.

And God has promised me that! Do you get it?! God has promised me that! Woo-hoo!!!

from Psalm 115:12

A little bit more from Psalm 115: Truth Your Help and Shield!