Category: “Listening to God” Devotional

Read chapter in full: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Psalms+119

Psalm 119-7 (vv97-112)

English Standard Version (ESV)

Mem – The Sweetness of God’s Word­

97 Oh how I love your law!
  It is my meditation all the day.
98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,
  for it is ever with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers,
  for your testimonies are my meditation.
100 I understand more than the aged,
  for I keep your precepts.
101 I hold back my feet from every evil way,
  in order to keep your word.
102 I do not turn aside from your rules,
  for you have taught me.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste,
  sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 Through your precepts I get understanding;
  therefore I hate every false way.

Nun – The Illumination God’s Word Provides­

105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
  and a light to my path.
106 I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
  to keep your righteous rules.
107 I am severely afflicted;
  give me life, O Lord, according to your word!
108 Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O Lord,
  and teach me your rules.
109 I hold my life in my hand continually,
  but I do not forget your law.
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me,
  but I do not stray from your precepts.
111 Your testimonies are my heritage forever,
  for they are the joy of my heart.
112 I incline my heart to perform your statutes
  forever, to the end.

 

Reflection

1. The psalmist loved God’s law, it gave him more wisdom than his enemies, his teachers, and the elderly sages who did not have it. It had enabled him to maintain his personal purity.
2. If God’s Word is sweeter to us than worldly wisdom (v103) and if we are steadfast in following God’s word, we can also stand strong through the ups and downs of life…and bring glory to God.
3. If you google v105, you’ll get over 200,000 hits. There is a song titled after this verse and a video of musicians performing the song. There is also a book with the verse as its title. You can even buy a plaque for your wall or desk with this verse on it. What makes this verse so special?
4. It’s the truth this verse conveys that God’s Word is our light in a dark world showing us the way home. It is easy to get lost in life. We have so many decisions to make and so many distractions. How do we find our way back? By turning to God’s Word, our lamp and our light.
5. When we stand firm in God’s word and live by it (vv106-112), the truth comes alive. We become living testimonies of the power of God’s Word to illuminate darkened lives and transform people from being lost to being on a journey with God.
6. Do you consider yourself a student of God’s Word? To follow Jesus, we need to know his ways. We learn about his character, his ways, and his expectations of his followers by reading and studying God’s Word.

 

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the “Spiritual Journal” book.

• Subtitle of each paragraph is from www.soniclight.com/constable/notes/htm/OT/Psalms/Psalms.htm

 

Read chapter in full: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Psalms+119

Psalm 119-6 (vv81-96)

English Standard Version (ESV)

Kaph – The Reliability of God’s Word­

81 My soul longs for your salvation;
  I hope in your word.
82 My eyes long for your promise;
  I ask, “When will you comfort me?”
83 For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,
  yet I have not forgotten your statutes.
84 How long must your servant endure?
  When will you judge those who persecute me?
85 The insolent have dug pitfalls for me;
  they do not live according to your law.
86 All your commandments are sure;
  they persecute me with falsehood; help me!
87 They have almost made an end of me on earth,
  but I have not forsaken your precepts.
88 In your steadfast love give me life,
  that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.

Lamedh – The Permanence of God’s Word­

89 Forever, O Lord, your word
  is firmly fixed in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
  you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
91 By your appointment they stand this day,
  for all things are your servants.
92 If your law had not been my delight,
  I would have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget your precepts,
  for by them you have given me life.
94 I am yours; save me,
  for I have sought your precepts.
95 The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,
  but I consider your testimonies.
96 I have seen a limit to all perfection,
  but your commandment is exceedingly broad.

 

Reflection

1. Ever feel like God has forgotten you? Perhaps you prayed your heart out and turned to the Bible for answers, but it seemed that God didn’t show up. This is the situation of the writer of this passage. He sank into the depths of despair.
2. His hope is still in God. He longs for the fulfillment of God’s promises. He clings to God’s Word. But, where is God? To paraphrase verses 83-84, he is praying, “God, I’m drying up. How long must I hold on? How long will it be before you help me?” Yet, in spite of severe attacks by his enemies, he had remained true to God’s ways and requested safe keeping.
3. In the second passage (vv89-96), at the point of desperation, the psalmist turns toward God in surrender and praise. He has not escaped the clutches of his despair, but he has turned toward his source of help.
4. At the depths of his despair, the psalmist was moved to proclaim the sovereignty of God that God’s Word is firmly fixed – it is settled. God’s faithfulness endures. God made everything and He is in control of everything.
5. Next time when you feel crushed down and defeated by life, turn to Psalm 119:89-96 and pray these verses to God.

 

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the “Spiritual Journal” book.

• Subtitle of each paragraph is from www.soniclight.com/constable/notes/htm/OT/Psalms/Psalms.htm

Read chapter in full: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Psalms+119

 

 

Psalm 119-5 (vv65-80)

English Standard Version (ESV)

Teth – Confidence in God’s Word­

65 You have dealt well with your servant,
  O Lord, according to your word.
66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
  for I believe in your commandments.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
  but now I keep your word.
68 You are good and do good;
  teach me your statutes.
69 The insolent smear me with lies,
  but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;
70 their heart is unfeeling like fat,
  but I delight in your law.
71 It is good for me that I was afflicted,
  that I might learn your statutes.
72 The law of your mouth is better to me
  than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

Yodh – God’s Word as an Object of Hope­

73 Your hands have made and fashioned me;
  give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
74 Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
  because I have hoped in your word.
75 I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous,
  and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76 Let your steadfast love comfort me
  according to your promise to your servant.
77 Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;
  for your law is my delight.
78 Let the insolent be put to shame,
  because they have wronged me with falsehood;
  as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
79 Let those who fear you turn to me,
  that they may know your testimonies.
80 May my heart be blameless in your statutes,
  that I may not be put to shame!

 

Reflection

• Sometimes we have to experience the painful consequences of bad choices in order to better understand the joy that comes with living according to God’s Word. Like a child who gets burned by touching a hot stove after repeated warnings from a parent, we too sometimes have to experience the hurt that comes from going astray (v. 67). But, even though it may take time, once we learn the lesson we can often look back on the experience and say it was good. And we learned a lesson more valuable than money (vs. 71-72).
• What are some valuable lessons you’ve learned from decisions made in the past – good and bad decisions?
• In verses 74 and 78, the writer prays that those who honor God would turn to him (the writer) and: (1) rejoice because he has put his hope in God’s Word (2) know God’s testimonies. He seems to be asking God to let others look upon him and have hope in God because God’s word is alive and active in his life. Can others see God at work in your life?
• Do you consider yourself to be a role model for others to follow?
• Ask God to help you let his words be alive and active in your life. Help you be examples for others to follow, for others to have reasons to hope in God.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the “Spiritual Journal” book.

 

• Subtitle of each paragraph is from www.soniclight.com/constable/notes/htm/OT/Psalms/Psalms.htm

Read chapter in full: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Psalms+119

 

 

Psalm 119-4 (vv49-64)

English Standard Version (ESV)

Zayin – God’s Word as a Source of Hope­

49 Remember your word to your servant,
  in which you have made me hope.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction,
  that your promise gives me life.
51 The insolent utterly deride me,
  but I do not turn away from your law.
52 When I think of your rules from of old,
  I take comfort, O Lord.
53 Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked,
  who forsake your law.
54 Your statutes have been my songs
  in the house of my sojourning.
55 I remember your name in the night, O Lord,
  and keep your law.
56 This blessing has fallen to me,
  that I have kept your precepts.

Heth – Strong Commitment to God’s Word­

57 The Lord is my portion;
  I promise to keep your words.
58 I entreat your favor with all my heart;
  be gracious to me according to your promise.
59 When I think on my ways,
  I turn my feet to your testimonies;
60 I hasten and do not delay
  to keep your commandments.
61 Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,
  I do not forget your law.
62 At midnight I rise to praise you,
  because of your righteous rules.
63 I am a companion of all who fear you,
  of those who keep your precepts.
64 The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love;
  teach me your statutes!

 

 

Reflection

• What are some of the promises found in God’s Word that give you hope, bring you comfort in difficult times and/or get you excited about living?
• As a review, take a look at the promises found in these verses: Romans 10:9 (salvation), Matthew 5:3-12 (the Beatitudes), Matthew 6:33-34 (God’s provision), John 14:1-3 (Jesus’ return for us). These are just a small sampling of the many promises that are found in God’s Word.
• Thank God for his promises to you that give you hope. Most of all, thank God for his son, Jesus, through whom you have the most wonderful promise and hope of all – peace with God.
• Is it OK to ask for God’s favor on our lives (v58)? This is essentially the same question in v17. But, here in verse 58, the psalmist straight out asked for God’s favor and His grace. But, notice the phrase, “…according to your promise.”
• How quickly do you obey God’s Word? Do you take His word as advice to be considered or as commands to be obeyed? In today’s world, advice is readily available. We can shop for the advice that sounds best to us. But, if we aren’t careful, advice – even seemingly good advice – can lead us to become entrapped in cords of wickedness (vs. 61). Remember, v45 indicates that following God’s Word brings freedom. Let’s hasten to keep His commands (vs. 60).

 

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the “Spiritual Journal” book.

 

• Subtitle of each paragraph is from www.soniclight.com/constable/notes/htm/OT/Psalms/Psalms.htm

Read chapter in full: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Psalms+119

 

 

Psalm 119-3 (vv33-48)

English Standard Version (ESV)

He – Loyal Commitment to God’s Word­

33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;
  and I will keep it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
  and observe it with my whole heart.
35 Lead me in the path of your commandments,
  for I delight in it.
36 Incline my heart to your testimonies,
  and not to selfish gain!
37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
  and give me life in your ways.
38 Confirm to your servant your promise,
  that you may be feared.
39 Turn away the reproach that I dread,
  for your rules are good.
40 Behold, I long for your precepts;
  in your righteousness give me life!

Waw – God’s Word and Salvation­

41 Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord,
  your salvation according to your promise;
42 then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me,
  for I trust in your word.
43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
  for my hope is in your rules.
44 I will keep your law continually,
  forever and ever,
45 and I shall walk in a wide place,
  for I have sought your precepts.
46 I will also speak of your testimonies before kings
  and shall not be put to shame,
47 for I find my delight in your commandments,
  which I love.
48 I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,
  and I will meditate on your statutes.

 

Reflection

• When we find ourselves seeking selfish gain, we are to stop and incline our hearts to God’s Word (vs. 36). When we find ourselves pursuing worthless things, we are to stop and pursue God’s ways instead (vs. 37). Repentance is recognizing we’re wrong, stopping what we are doing wrong and starting to do what is right in God’s eyes. How do we know what is right in God’s eyes? His Word tells us.
• As the psalmist continued to offer his prayer, he said to God, “I will keep your law…forever…” The writer then followed with “…and I shall walk in a wide place…” This statement, in verse 45, also translates, “…and I will walk about in freedom…” (The Voice). The psalmist considered keeping God’s Word as freedom. Why?
• Disobedience, going against God’s Word, is bondage. We might think that living without the word of God gives us freedom. On the contrary, disobedience binds us with guilt, regrets, consequences of bad choices, anxieties and all kinds of problems. Living in obedience to God’s word may not prevent us from ever experiencing these things, but an obedient lifestyle offers us a spiritual freedom that living disobediently cannot provide.
• Pray and ask God to take away the bondage of your past disobedience and set you free to worship and serve him with clean hearts and minds. Thank God for the freedom you have in following God and living according to God’s ways.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the “Spiritual Journal” book.

• Subtitle of each paragraph is from www.soniclight.com/constable/notes/htm/OT/Psalms/Psalms.htm

Read chapter in full: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Psalms+119

 

 

Psalm 119-2 (vv17-32)

English Standard Version (ESV)

Gimel – An Appreciation of God’s Word­

17 Deal bountifully with your servant,
  that I may live and keep your word.
18 Open my eyes, that I may behold
  wondrous things out of your law.
19 I am a sojourner on the earth;
  hide not your commandments from me!
20 My soul is consumed with longing
  for your rules at all times.
21 You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones,
  who wander from your commandments.
22 Take away from me scorn and contempt,
  for I have kept your testimonies.
23 Even though princes sit plotting against me,
  your servant will meditate on your statutes.
24 Your testimonies are my delight;
  they are my counselors.

Daleth – A Prayer for Greater Understanding­

25 My soul clings to the dust;
  give me life according to your word!
26 When I told of my ways, you answered me;
  teach me your statutes!
27 Make me understand the way of your precepts,
  and I will meditate on your wondrous works.
28 My soul melts away for sorrow;
  strengthen me according to your word!
29 Put false ways far from me
  and graciously teach me your law!
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
  I set your rules before me.
31 I cling to your testimonies, O Lord;
  let me not be put to shame!
32 I will run in the way of your commandments
  when you enlarge my heart!

 

Reflection

• Beginning with verse 17, Psalm 119 becomes a prayer. The psalmist asked God to enlighten him in order to understand God’s word for he found delight in and hunger for God’s Word.
• The psalmist asked that God would open his eyes to see “wondrous things” in God’s word. Paul prayed for Christians to have “the eyes of your hearts enlightened” (Eph 1:18).
• In v19, the psalmist described himself as a sojourner, a visitor passing through this world and asked God not to hide His commandments from him. In v20, he longed for God’s judgments – for His Word. Do you see yourself in this way, as someone passing through life who desperately needs the direction and counsel of God?
• Have you ever found yourself spiritually dry or disobedient to God’s Word? What did you do for spiritual revival? What role does God’s Word have in your spiritual revival?

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the “Spiritual Journal” book.

 

• Subtitle of each paragraph is from www.soniclight.com/constable/notes/htm/OT/Psalms/Psalms.htm

 

Read chapter in full: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Psalms+119

 

 

Reading Psalm 119

 

• This is the longest psalm in the Bible. It contains a series of eight-line meditations based on each of the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. The psalm celebrates a revelation which brings delight, because each fresh word from God reveals not just information but its author.

 

• Here are some characteristics of this psalm:
  • Psalm 119 is written in the form of an acrostic poem. An acrostic is a series of lines or verses, which begin with or contain particular letters that, when taken in order, spell out a word or phrase. For example, GRACE – God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense – is an example of acrostic. Acrostics are often used as tools to help with memorization.
  • It is divided into 22 stanzas of 8 verses each.
  • It uses 8 different words for God’s law. The psalm uses the full meaning of these 8 words to elaborate on The Word of God.
  • Beginning with verse 17, it is written in the form of a prayer.
• The eight different Hebrew synonyms used throughout this psalm in referring to Scripture are:
  • Law, a teaching, indicating a single command, the Books of Moses, or all of Scripture.
  • Testimonies, vivid and unmistakable witnesses to man of God’s will.
  • Way, the pattern of life required by God’s law.
  • Precepts, detailed instructions given by God as guardian of his people.
  • Statutes, binding laws engraved on a permanent record.
  • Commandments, orders or decrees given by competent authority.
  • Promise, a term often translated “word”, suggesting the trustworthiness of divine truth in any form.
  • Rules (Ordinances/Judgment), judgments made by God, containing God’s judgments concerning man’s rights and duties.

 

• Together these words form a clear picture of the Scriptures. They are God’s authoritative word, in which we can have complete confidence, and through which we learn to trust God and to live a life characterized by godliness.
• These can be taken as twenty-two brief meditations, each launched with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and easy for memorization. They speak of the love revealed in words which unveil the author-God and serve as light to guide God’s children all his/her life.
• The psalmist who wrote this longest psalm sought refuge from his persecutors and found strength by meditating on the Word of God. This psalm is largely a collection or anthology of prayers and thoughts about God’s Word. C. S. Lewis compared it to a piece of embroidery, done stitch by stitch in the quiet hours for the love of the subject and for the delight in leisurely, disciplined craftsmanship.

 

 

 

 

Psalm 119-1 (vv1-16)

English Standard Version (ESV)

Aleph – The Blessing of Obeying God’s Word­

1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
  who walk in the law of the Lord!
2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
  who seek him with their whole heart,
3 who also do no wrong,
  but walk in his ways!
4 You have commanded your precepts
  to be kept diligently.
5 Oh that my ways may be steadfast
  in keeping your statutes!
6 Then I shall not be put to shame,
  having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
7 I will praise you with an upright heart,
  when I learn your righteous rules.
8 I will keep your statutes;
  do not utterly forsake me!

Beth – The Cleansing Power of God’s Word­

9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
  By guarding it according to your word.
10 With my whole heart I seek you;
  let me not wander from your commandments!
11 I have stored up your word in my heart,
  that I might not sin against you.
12 Blessed are you, O Lord;
  teach me your statutes!
13 With my lips I declare
  all the rules of your mouth.
14 In the way of your testimonies I delight
  as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on your precepts
  and fix my eyes on your ways.
16 I will delight in your statutes;
  I will not forget your word.

 

Reflection

• In the first paragraph, the psalmist rejoiced in the fact that people who obey God’s word wholeheartedly enjoy God’s blessing. The word “blessed” also translates as “happy”. Re-read verses 1-2 again substituting ‘happy’ in place of ‘blessed’. Based on these verses, how can we pursue happiness?
• God’s word is not a set of rules and regulations to keep us pure and moral. It is God’s total wisdom for creation, protection and redemption. Our only proper response is to wholeheartedly obey and follow.
• To store up God’s word in our heart (v11) is not limited to the memorization of individual verses or even whole passages. It extends to a holistic living in a person’s devotion to the Lord.
• Memorize v11 and ask the Holy Spirit to help you live the verse out in your daily life. You may memorize it by learning this children song by Steve Green. www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOoeQoRHZVs

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the “Spiritual Journal” book.

 

Subtitle of each paragraph is from www.soniclight.com/constable/notes/htm/OT/Psalms/Psalms.htm

Read chapter in full: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Psalms+118

 

 

Psalm 118

English Standard Version (ESV)

His Steadfast Love Endures Forever

118 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
  for his steadfast love endures forever!

2 Let Israel say,
  “His steadfast love endures forever.”
3 Let the house of Aaron say,
  “His steadfast love endures forever.”
4 Let those who fear the Lord say,
  “His steadfast love endures forever.”

5 Out of my distress I called on the Lord;
  the Lord answered me and set me free.
6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear.
  What can man do to me?
7 The Lord is on my side as my helper;
  I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.

8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord
  than to trust in man.
9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord
  than to trust in princes.

10 All nations surrounded me;
  in the name of the Lord I cut them off!
11 They surrounded me, surrounded me on every side;
  in the name of the Lord I cut them off!
12 They surrounded me like bees;
  they went out like a fire among thorns;
  in the name of the Lord I cut them off!
13 I was pushed hard, so that I was falling,
  but the Lord helped me.

14 The Lord is my strength and my song;
  he has become my salvation.

 

Reflection

• The psalmist expresses thanks to God for delivering Israel from her many enemies. They had much to thank God for, especially His love which endures forever (vv1-4).
• Then, the psalmist gave personal testimony to God’s deliverance of him in answer to his prayer. God was with him, so he was not afraid of what others might do to him. The Lord would be his helper, even when his enemies surrounded him, The Lord gave him confidence that he could prevail over his adversaries.
• When God’s people discover that everything we have experienced actually demonstrates God’s enduring love for us, then whenever believers gather, it will be a Thanksgiving service. “Not that we have loved Godbut that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10)
• For what events in your life are you particularly grateful to God?
• How did God prove to be your helper, your strength or your salvation?
• Give thanks to the Lord (v1) for his goodness and his forever steadfast love for you.

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the “Spiritual Journal” book.

Read chapter in full: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Psalms+117

 

 

Psalm 117

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Lord’s Faithfulness Endures Forever

117      Praise the Lord, all nations!
  Extol him, all peoples!

2          For great is his steadfast love toward us,
  and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.
Praise the Lord!

 

Reflection

• This shortest of all the psalms focuses attention on the importance of praising God for two of His most wonderful qualities, namely: his loyal love and his faithfulness.
• Here the psalmist celebrates a truth of which the prophets often spoke. God is the savior not only of Israel, but of the world. In Christ, the vision of this psalm has been fulfilled. All the nations, all peoples, praise and extol the Lord for the salvation Jesus has won.
• Recount your experience and knowledge of God’s love and faithfulness. Draw close to Him in praise and thanksgiving and tell Him how grateful you are for all His blessings in your life.

 

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the “Spiritual Journal” book.

Read chapter in full: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Psalms+116

 

 

Psalm 116

English Standard Version (ESV)

I Love the Lord

116      I love the Lord, because he has heard

  my voice and my pleas for mercy.

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

3          The snares of death encompassed me;
  the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me;
  I suffered distress and anguish.

4          Then I called on the name of the Lord:
  “O Lord, I pray, deliver my soul!”

5          Gracious is the Lord, and righteous;
  our God is merciful.

6          The Lord preserves the simple;
  when I was brought low, he saved me.

7          Return, O my soul, to your rest;
  for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.

8          For you have delivered my soul from death,
  my eyes from tears,
  my feet from stumbling;

9          I will walk before the Lord
  in the land of the living.

10        I believed, even when I spoke:
  “I am greatly afflicted”;

11        I said in my alarm,
  “All mankind are liars.”

12        What shall I render to the Lord
  for all his benefits to me?

13        I will lift up the cup of salvation
  and call on the name of the Lord,

14        I will pay my vows to the Lord
  in the presence of all his people.

15        Precious in the sight of the Lord
  is the death of his saints.

16        O Lord, I am your servant;
  I am your servant, the son of your maidservant.
  You have loosed my bonds.

17        I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving
  and call on the name of the Lord.

18        I will pay my vows to the Lord
  in the presence of all his people,

19        in the courts of the house of the Lord,
  in your midst, O Jerusalem.
Praise the Lord!

 

Reflection

• The psalmist gave thanks to God for delivering him from imminent death and for lengthening his life. He promised to praise God in the temple for these blessings.
• This is a hymn of individual thanksgiving, and it is also messianic. This is a good psalm to read when you need to recommit yourself to serving God.
• Recall a time when you did call on God and he answered you and showed you great and mighty things. What was this experience like for you? What “sacrifice of thanksgiving” could you give to God?

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the “Spiritual Journal” book.