Calling on the Lord

Psalm 116

-> A Psalm of thanksgiving, a proclamation of what God has done and an acknowledgement of our dependence on him

-> I would like to just share some quick thought on the first 4 Verses

1 I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.

-> “he heard my voice”: not a onetime occasion but a everlasting assurance that God hears us when we call out to him

2 Because he turned his ear to me,I will call on him as long as I live.

-> “I will call...”: in consequence we make a lifelong resolve to call out to him and to trust God exclusively

3 The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow.

-> ESV: “the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Ps 116:3). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

-> Old Testament poetry: death and Sheol have aggressive grip on a person wanting to crush them

-> Many of you came with past injuries, present sins and future worries gripping to your souls and pulling you down

4 Then I called on the name of the LORD:“LORD, save me!”

-> The Psalmist ones more comes back to the only place of refuge and help

-> A pattern that we not only see here but find throughout the Psalm: 2b, 13b, 17b

2b

English Standard Version Psalm 116

Because he inclined his ear to me,

therefore I will call on him as long as I live.

13b

English Standard Version Psalm 116

I will lift up the cup of salvation

and call on the name of the LORD

17b

English Standard Version Psalm 116

I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving

and call on the name of the LORD.

Read to finish:

5 The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.

6 The LORD protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me.

7 Return to your rest, my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.

Prayer