Psalm 116 - To the guy who has it all

My father-in-law has everything he needs. If he wants something he is so financially secure, he just buys it, in cash, even if it is a backhoe or new car. If he doesn't already have it or can't buy it, he just makes it. He is an inventor by hobby and in the 15 years I've know him, I am completely convinced there isn't anything he couldn't figure out how to make. A guy like this is nearly impossible to impress and completely impossible to buy a birthday gift for. He has been so generous to us so much so that any sort of gift or thing we lend or give him seems like a weak gesture in comparison if we thought our attempts were to repay him. We do find great pleasure in giving back a little to his grand generosity whenever we can. But not to keep a tally of value in an attempt to repay him but in a small gesture of thankfulness for all the times he has lavished us with things, time and skills. The difference in giving to repay versus giving in gratitude to what has been given you is the mark of a true believer. So often we try to earn God's love, favor or salvation by our actions instead of in response and appreciate to His love, favor and salvation. Or too often we give up on ourselves thinking what could we possible offer the guy whose already got it all. This psalm helped me see how I can respond to God's awesomeness. Thankfully it repeats itself so we don't miss it in verses 13-14 and 17-18. Be thankful to the salvation God has given you, continue to trust Him by calling on His name, and fulfill the service and purpose God has for your life in a way that gives your testimony to other people. Christianity isn't a private religion at least it shouldn't be. We've been reminded continually to shout out in the great assemblies of God's goodness, faithfulness, and about his salvation. We can't ever repay it but we can live in thankfulness to it. And don't cheapen, negate, or control a gift by offering something for it. Just say thanks and live life like you mean it.

Psalm 116 Questions -

1. Why do you love the Lord?

2. What are some of God's attributes highlighted in this psalm?

3. What trials in life has he seen you through or rescued you from?

4. Are you restless for the next thing, for fall to come, for school to start, to move, to get promoted, to go on vacation? Do you rest and content where you are at with God or do you always want the next thing, then you will be happy?

5. What does verse 9 explain as the reason that God has saved us, kept our eyes from tears, and our feet from stumbling?

6. Are you grieving a death of a loved one? How does verse 15 comfort you?

7. Are you serving in payment or gratitude to God?