Gracious is the Lord

By William R. Shively
Bible Book: Psalms  116 : 1-19
Subject: God, Graciousness of; God, Nature of; Healing
Introduction

This Psalm describes God's healing of an individual who was sick and facing death. God showed mercy to the individual by answering his prayer. The response of the individual was one of praise and thankfulness.

In this Psalm, the writer refers to himself 37 times in 16 verses. He was not stuck on himself. He was just giving testimony about what the Lord had done for him. He mentions the Lord 15 times in these same verses.

I. GRACIOUSNESS OF GOD

A. CHARACTER OF GOD. (v. 5)

When facing a crisis in life, our understanding of the character of God is essential. God is gracious and merciful. The believer can know that he can trust God completely for the Lord will never do anything contrary to His nature. God has our best interest at heart. Many people become bitter or angry with God when things go wrong. Some people blame God for their sickness.

The Psalmist said, "I was greatly afflicted." The Psalmist said the Lord was righteous. He could not charge the Lord with anything wrong in afflicting him. He realized that the Lord was gracious in blessing him.

B. COMPASSION OF GOD. (v. 6)

The psalmist experienced the compassion of God. In verse 6, the psalmist said, "I was brought low, and he helped me." God's help is not something the Psalmist had merited. His help came from the gracious heart of God. "But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth." (Psalm 86:15 KJV)

II. GIFT FROM GOD

A. DANGER OF DEATH.

(v. 3) "sorrows of death compassed me"

We are not told what the Psalmist's sickness was, but he was seriously ill. Death was near for the Psalmist. Death compassed him like Jonah's experience in the great fish. "The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head." (Jonah 2:5 KJV)

B. DELIVERANCE FROM DEATH.

(v. 7-8) "delivered my soul from death"

God has placed in every person the desire to live. Prayer for physical healing is probably the most requested prayer. The Psalmist prayed unto the Lord and the Lord heard his request. (v. 4)

While God does heal, death is certain unless we are taken out in the rapture. “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die.” (Ecc. 3:1-2)

Death for the Christian is gain. (Philippians 1:21) John Milton: "Death is the golden key that opens the palace of eternity.” "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints." (Psalm 116:15 KJV)

In God's eyes, the death of His children is precious. The Father's Beloved Son died so everyone who is saved can live forever in heaven with Him. The Father and the Son paid a great price for our souls to be saved.

III. GRATITUDE TO GOD

A. REALIZATION OF GOD'S GOODNESS.

The Psalmist was overwhelmed by God's blessings. "The LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee." (v. 7)

As he reflects on God's goodness, he asks, "What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?" The truth is, we can give nothing to God.

B. RESPONSE TO GOD'S GOODNESS.

1. Love for the LORD. (v. 1-2)

The Palmist began his hymn by stating clearly, "I love the LORD." He says why he loved the LORD. "He have heard my voice and my supplications." The greatest of all commandments is to love God. Love is more than a feeling; it is keeping the commandments of the Lord. (John 14:21; 1 John 2:3-6)

2. Living for the LORD.

Our life is to be lived in a fashion that brings glory to God and expresses our gratitude to God. The Psalmist responded to God's mercy in healing him by devoting his life to the LORD. The Psalmist mentions at least 7 different ways he would live his life for God.

a) Call on the LORD. (v. 2)

b) Walk before the LORD. (v. 9)

c) Speak of the LORD. (v. 10)

d) Devoted to the LORD. (v. 14, 18)

e) Offer thanksgiving to the LORD. (v. 14)

f) Servant of the LORD. (v. 16)

g) Testify of the LORD. (v. 18-19)

LESSONS FOR LIFE:

1. Learning to trust God in all circumstances of life will prepare you to face death.

2. In this life, physical healing is given to some, while in heaven all are forever made whole.

3. The Psalmist learned the importance of a life of prayer. So should we! (Psalm 116:2)

4. God still performs miracles. I am a living proof of God's grace.

5. Salvation is a life of faith that starts in your heart. (Romans 10:10) Have you confessed Jesus as your Lord and Savior? (Romans 10:9)