Grasp the Gospel — Bible Comprehension Quizzes

Psalm 116 Devotional

Repaying by Receiving More

“I will lift the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD.”Psalm 116:13 (BSB)

The psalmist loves the LORD for a concrete reason: God heard his cry for mercy (116:1). The ropes of death had tangled around him, so he called on the LORD's name (116:3-4). He was helpless, and God saved him (116:6). Now he tells his own soul to return to its rest, because the LORD has been good to it (116:7).

Then he asks the question gratitude always asks: how can he repay the LORD for all his goodness (116:12)? His answer is surprising. He will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the LORD's name again (116:13). The fitting return is to keep receiving and depending, and to say so publicly by keeping his vows among God's people (116:14, 18). God does not ask to be paid back. Even the death of his faithful ones is precious in his sight (116:15). Thanks to God is not a payment on a debt. It is calling on his name again and lifting the cup of salvation he has already filled.

To think about: How might your thanks to God today look less like paying him back and more like depending on him again?

About Psalm 116: Thanksgiving for Rescue from Death

The psalmist thanks the LORD for rescuing him when he was near death and helpless. He urges his soul to rest in God's kindness, asks what he can give back, and answers with worship, kept vows, and a thank offering among God's people in Jerusalem.

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