Notes From the Pastor's Desk
March 2, 2025
Grateful for Deliverance
Read Psalm 116. In the nineteenth verse we see the gratitude of a thankful heart bursting forth. The psalmist writes at a time of sickness and affliction that threatens his life. His knowledge of God brought him through the difficulties that he faced as a servant of God. Of course, a big plus was his thankful heart.
I. His Peril
(v. 1-4) According to verse 3 he had found trouble and sorrow. That is true of all of us at one time or another in our lives. But the message is, we need not panic or be alarmed in the time of trouble. Out of his troubles came praise unto the Lord (v. 1‑2). In the time of danger God heard him. That is something to be thankful for in life. His perplexity was expressed in trouble and sorrow. His prayer was exercised. He said, “Then I called upon the Lord.” In the time of danger prayer is a necessity.
II. His Preservation
(v. 5-9) He said, “The Lord preserveth” (v. 6). In verse 5 he speaks of how gracious the Lord is. God is full of grace. His preservation is seen in protection - “He helped me” (v. 6‑8). His pledge is seen in his practice - “I will walk before the Lord” (v. 9). In times of danger just trust the Lord to preserve you, since you are His child and since He has a keen interest in you and your life.
III. His Praise
(v. 10‑14) In verse 12 he says, “What shall 1 render”? First, is his appropriation? David said, “I will take” (v. 12‑13). Sometimes the best way to praise the Lord is not just to give but to take. To take from God requires more of a measure of grace. Secondly, there is his accomplishment. He said, “I will pay” (v. 14). We need to remember we owe a debt to the Lord since He has paid our sin debt and taken care of us meticulously since we have become His children. Oh, that we would more frequently praise the Lord for His commitment and dedication to us. It pays for us to pay what we owe to the Lord as well in tithe and offering.
IV. His Promise
(v. 15-19) “I will offer unto thee” (v. 17). It was a redeemed soul. Who would want to give his or her life to the Lord as is presented in these verses? No one could do so but a redeemed child of God. It also was a responsible soul. He knew it was a responsibility to give God thanks for his redemption and protection. It is a contrite and thankful heart that gets the fullest attention of the God of heaven and earth.