What Shall I Render?

by Dennis Michelson
(Painesville, Ohio)

Psalm 116 - A Meditation for the Lord's Table

Introduction: What will you render unto the Lord for all of His benefits toward you?

1. I will love Him (116:1)

This is the first commandment but a life-long job.

2. I will call upon Him (116:2)

You have a perpetual audience with the King of Kings!

3. I will rest in Him (116:7)

You will find rest for your soul (Matthew 11:28-30)

4. I will walk before Him (116:9)

Practicing the presence of the Lord is essential.

5. I will speak about Him (116:10)

DO you believe? Then you will speak!

6. I will pay my vows to Him (116:14)

Ecclesiastes 5 says vows are voluntary, not mandatory. If you make a vow then keep a vow.

7. I will serve Him (willingly) (116:16)

We are now at liberty to serve Him since we have been set free from slavery.

8. I will thank Him (116:17)

By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. Hebrews 13:15

9. I will take the cup (116:13)

If you are doing 1 through 8 then 9 will be an even greater joy and blessing for you. Verse 15 is especially profound since the preciousness of the death of God's children indicates that He saves us from death many times until it is the right time to die.

Every time we take the cup, we realize it may be the last time we do so until we see Him face to face. A long life is not always a good life but a good life is long enough.