PSALM 116

The Psalmist offers for our consideration that it gets frighteningly dangerous sometimes. Here he even speaks of the sorrows of death compassing him and the anguish of the grave coming upon him. In fact, he declares that hell was hard on his heels. He plainly discloses that he found trouble and sorrow (v.3). The Christian pathway gets difficult and treacherous sometimes. We are warned of danger.

However, right after he speaks about danger, the Psalmist quickly pivots to deliverance. We all will experience danger, but it must be understood that the same God who allows us to experience danger will also most certainly bring about our deliverance. Deliverance will come!

This is still a very powerful biblical theme – Deliverance. Our God who delivered shall deliver (1 Sam. 17:37). From Genesis to Revelation, this thought is repeatedly and strikingly brought out and revisited. Our God is supernaturally able to deliver. The song states, “Though by sin oppressed, go to Him for rest; Our God is able to deliver thee.”

In deep distress, the Psalmist simply says, “Then called I upon the name of the Lord: O Lord, I beseech thee, deliver my soul” (Psalm 116:4). It instructs us concerning the power of prayer. Sometimes we may feel that our prayers must be unusually long and intense, but not necessarily so. Short prayers are also heard.

It is such a blessing to know that prayer is our key to power. We also learn that prayer invites God into human affairs. It changes our world. It delights the heart of God. It puts fear in the heart of Satan. He prayed a short, simple prayer, and before he knew it, deliverance came.

The Psalmist eloquently communicates to us and testifies, “I was brought low, and he helped me” (v.6). He testifies, “The Lord preserves the simple (6).” It is true, He preserves us. He helps us. He delivers us. The psalm quickly progresses from danger to deliverance to devotion. When God delivers from danger, we must be sure to raise our level of devotion (vv. 13,14). In this Psalm, detailed blessings result in detailed acknowledgement (v.8). We dare not refuse to acknowledge and profusely praise Him!

Leroy V. Greenaway