INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 116
"Grief is part of being human, but WE CAN EMBRACE GRIEF as GOD EMBRACES US." Dr Tony Evans
Gried is part of life. We can't get rid of it or ignore it, but we can face it's "challenges" and "embrace it".
Saved from death, in answer to his prayers, this unknown Psalmist makes a "thank offering" in the Temple. There were memories of terrible times, when the "grave" was close and fear was "vividly present". He understood the "grind of grief and sorrow too well." We don't know the details that brought him to his knees "in mourning", but we can gather from the "clues" that it invoked DEATH.
"The cords of death encompassed him as well as the terrors of Sheol (the grave). He was brought low and the Lord rescued him from his tears." Charles Swindoll.
After spending time in GOD'S PRESENCE the Psalmist was "put firmly back on his feet"; with a clear perspective of life and death. What began with words of sorrow, ended with PRAISES AND HALLELUJAHS!
"After a close call with death, the unknown Psalmist THANKS GOD for answering his prayers; and PRAISES HIM for his deliverance. PRAISE should be a NATURAL RESULT OF ANSWERED PRAYER." Max Lucado
"I will offer you a THANKSGIVING SACRIFICE and call on the name of the Lord. HALLELUJAH." Psalm 116:17&19 (NRSV)
I LOVE THE LORD - Read Psalm 116:1-11
The first half of this Psalm - Verses 1-11 - are the Psalmist lament, a man surrounded by grief and sorrow. Yet he knows that the Lord is always with him.
* The Lord hears him.
* The Lord cares for him.
* The Lord will rescue him.
And as we read these verses we too can receive encouragement and joy, knowing that they are true for us too, if we LOVE GOD and PRAY TO HIM.
1. THE LORD HEARS US
"I love the Lord because HE HAS HEARD MY VOICE and MY SUPPLICATIONS. Because HE HAS INCLINED HIS EAR TO ME, therefore, I will call on Him as long as I live." Psalm 116:1&2 (NIV)
Other versions of the Scriptures talk about the Lord in a similar way:
* "listening to his prayers".
* "hearing his cries for mercy".
* "turnin His ear to hin."
God pays attention to what we have to say when we come to HIM IN PRAYER. "He leans closer to truly hear what you have to say".
WHY IS PRAYER SUCH AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE GRIEVING PROCESS?
When we are in need, specifically in times of grief and sorrow, coming to God in prayer, "brings us in harmony with His will." Grief also brings ANGER, ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION - to name just a few emotions - but God is always ready to HEAR US!
"The important thing is to CALL ON HIM and to TRUST IN HIM to ANSWER YOU."
Dr Tonyy Evans
"Answer me when I call you. my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer." Psalm 4:1 (NIV)
2. THE LORD CARES FOR U
"The LORD IS GRACIOUS and righteous; OUR GOD IS FULL OF COMPASSION...... I was brought low. HE SAVED ME." Psalm 119:5&6b
Some tragic circumstances had surrounded the Psalmist. They had caused him to fear that he was near death:
* "the chords of death entangled me and wrapped me in anguish".
* "the ropes of death bound me."
* "the torments of Sheol (the grave) overcame and took hold of me."
* "I encountered trouble and sorrow."
* "I suffered distress and anguish."
Grief and sorrow became so intense and death felt imminent. He even confessed to doubting the Lord - "foolishness, simpleness, helplessness" - but the LORD WAS HIS PROTECTOR AND SAVIOUR. He called to God in distress. His brief prayer: "SAVE ME" expressed a deep plea of desperation. In this prayer he affirmed 3 of God's attributes:
* HIS GRACIOUSNESS - extended in "undeserved favour."
* HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS - "depicting integrity"
* HIS COMPASSION - a deep feeling of "God's tender care" for our needs as "He watches over us."
We need to join with the Psalmist in praying, "LORD SAVE ME". God is always caring for us in whatever situation we may be grieving over, whether it is the loss of a loved one or our own illness or anxiety. These have all caused me normal grief symptoms, but so too has job loss, and this took me a long time to recover from. Eventuaklly though, like the Psalmist, I was able to "REST IN THE LORD".
WHY WAS THE PSALMIST ABLE TO REST IN THE LORD?
"Return to my REST, my soul, for THE LORD HAS BEEN GOOD TO ME." Psalm 116:7 (NIV)
The Psalmist fully realized that God was his DELIVERER FROM GRIEF. REST depicts a place of "unthreatened security", like the nesting place of a bird, or as David tells us in Psalm 23, the quiet waters suitable for sheep.
"The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters." Psalm 23:1&2 (NIV)
Doctors tells us we need PHYSICAL REST, but the Bible encourages us to REST IN GOD. The Lord Jesus told His followers to come to Him with their burdens, for this was their way of finding ULTIMATE REST AND SECURITY.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
With this rest and security provided by God we can courageously face our difficulties. Joshua did this and was reminded that GOD'S PRESENCE WAS ALWAYS WITH HIM. The Psalmist too realized that "God was his source of deliverence" from his earlier threatened death. God had dried up the tears in his eyes and "kept his feet from stumbling". He was indeed "resting" in the PRESENCE OF THE LORD.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged; for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
"For you Lord have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling."
Psalm 116:8 (NIV)
3. HE RESCUES US
" I WALKED BEFORE THE LORD in the land of the living; I KEPT MY FAITH, even when I said, "I am greatly afflicted." Psalm 116:9&10 (NIV)
Like the Psalmist, I would say that I am somewhat of "a specialist" when it comes to experiencing GRIEF, and learning how TO WALK WITH GOD and GROWING IN MY FAITH. My family members are in Heaven, and along with a number of health scares of my own, I have also had other "loss" experiences. I can't say they have been easy and the "healing" hasn't happened overnight; but my mother and father taught me that in their lowest times, "THEY WERE NEVER ALONE". When the negative emotions such as ANGER, ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION have overwhelmed me, and like the Psalmist I've had "soul crushing burdens to bear", I know I HAVE NOT HAD TO BEAR THEM ALONE.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO WALK BEFORE THE LORD AND TRUST IN HIM?
The word "WALK" means to "LIVE" . When we "WALK WITH GOD" we are living our lives with Him - obedient to His will.
Although severely afflicted, the Psalmist could still ultimately TRUST IN THE LORD, because he experienced deliverance from his grief and salvation from sin. We too can find fulfillment no other way.
"You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance." Psalm 32:7 (NIV(
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came through Jesus Christ." Romans 3:23&24 (NIV)
"In response to his deliverance, he WALKED BEFORE THE LORD and lived a way that honoured God - OBEDIENCE, SURRENDER AND COMPLETE TRUST." Dr Tony Evans
WHAT SHALL I RENDER TO HIM? - Read Psalm 116:12-19
God has never failed to embrace me in my times of need. He has always been there, and in this second part of this Psalm - Verses 12-19 the Psalmist now tells us 3 things we need to do when we ask these questions:
* What shall we render the Lord?
* How can we return our thanks?
* How can we render our appreciation for all He has done for us?
1. WE SHALL PROCLAIM THE LORD'S BENEFITS.
"How can I repay the Lord for the good He has done for me? I will take the CUP OF SALVATION and CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD." Psalm 116:12&13 (CSB)
WHAT DOES "I SHALL LIFT UP MY CUP OF SALVATION"MEAN?
The word "CUP" means "ABUNDANCE", partically in the Old Testament. In Psalm 23, David speaks of his "cup running over" or "overflowing". Here the Psalmist expresses PRAISE TO GOD for his abundant deliverance from "grief and sorrow".
"As New Testament Christians we share our "CUP" with our Saviour - Jesus Christ. The 'CUP OF SALVATION' is like the wine we drink at Communion, our "thank offering" that has given us abundant life, when Jesus gave His life for us.
God has not only deliverance us from sickness, danger and difficulty, but with the "CUP OF SALVATION" we have "eternal life" and are delivered from the "grind of grief and sorrow"; for one day we will meet our family again in Heaven, and celebrate the New Jerusalem with Jesus and His Father God.
2. WE SHALL PAY OUR VOWS
"I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of His people" Psalm 116:14 (CSB)
This lament of grief and sorrow nakes a positive turn as the Psalmist MAKES A VOW (A PROMISE), a public announcement to commit himself before the Lord. Their VOWS, both in the Old and New Testament, are serious and binding, and GOD NEVER FORGETS THEM!
"When you make a promise to God don't delay in following through......keep all your promises you make to Him." Ecclesiastes 5:4 (NIV)
"If you make a vow to the Lord your God, do not be slow to keep it because He will require it of you, and it will be counted against you as a sin......Be careful to do whatever comes from your lips, because you have freely vowed what you have promised to the Lord your God." Deuteronomy 23:21&23 (CSB)
WHAT IS THE GREATEST VOW (PROMISE) YOU CAN MAKE TO THE LORD?
The greatest PROMISE you can make is to FOLLOW JESUS CHRIST and to BECOME HIS SERVANT. This is also the best PUBLIC DECLARATION you can make as a witness to others.
"O Lord, truly I am your servant , yes I am your servant, born into your household; you have freed from my chains." Psalm 116:16 (NLT)
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE FREE FROM CHAINS?
One of the greatest hymns we know is "Amazing Grace". The modern version by Louie Giglio and Chris Tomlin has a chorus that goes like this:
"My chains are gone, I've been set free.
My God, my Saviour, has rescued me.
And like a flood, His mercy reigns,
UNENDING LOVE, AMAZING GRACE!"
The Psalmis had an utter dependence on GOD'S GRACE and MERCY. Because he kept his vows and promises and was committed to serving the Lord, he found the highest JOY AND FREEDOM in following Him. He had his grief and sorrows, as we all do, that often kept him "bound in chains", but when we give our emotions to the Lord, and stand in His presence, "the chains are loosened" and WE ARE FREE.
WHAT IS THE GREATEST ENCOURAGEMENT IN THIS PSALM THAT WE CAN GIVE THOSE WHO HAVE LOST 'LOVED ONES'?
"The Lord cares deeply when His loved ones die." Psalm 116:15 (NLT)
This is the verse that has been most inspirational for me. Other Versions speaks of "LOVE ONES" as:
* "Precious and valuable in God's sight."
* "His faithful servants".
* "Ones that belong to God."
I believe we can truly lift others up with this knowledge. One of the blessings I have had in understanding my grief as Christ's servant, is that I can encourage others when they too are grieving:
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the FATHER OF MERCIES and the GOD OF ALL COMFORT. He comforts us in all our afflictions, so that WE MAY BE ABLE TO COMFORT THOSE who are in any kind of affliction, through THE COMFORT WE OURSELVES RECEIVE FROM GOD." 2 Corinthians 1:3&4 (CSB)
"The Psalmist calls the death of a love one "precious and honourable in God's sight". No Christian passes through the workld into Heaven WITHOUT GOD NOTICING THEM. When they die, HE IS PRESENT AND HE CARES." Charles Swindoll
"The trumphant end of earthly life lived for God is a SPECIAL MOMENT." Dr Tony Evans
3. WE SHALL WORSHIP AND PRAISE THE LORD
"I will offer you a THANKSGIVING SACRIFICE, and call on the name of the Lord......in the presence of His people, in the courts of the Lord's house. HALLELUJAH." Psalm 116:17 & 19 (NRSV)
"Worship must have both heart and head. It must engage emotions and thought. True worship comes from people who are deeply emotionally and who have STRONG EFFECTIONS FOR GOD. The Psalmist had tears, songs, a bowed head, lifted hands, confessions and longings - A FULL OBEDIENT, WORSHIPFUL LIFE." John Piper.
The Psalmist's journey from grief and sorrow to the HEIGHTS OF PRAISE didn't take place overnight. PRAISING GOD WAS THE PINNACLE OF HIS CLIMB. He didn't wait till he felt better before GIVING GOD HIS PRAISES.
Don't wait for your circumstances to changhe before you start PRAISING AND WORSHIPPING. Claim God's future promises NOW! Make PRAISE and THANKSGIVING a daily part of your prayers and make plans to join others in WORSHIP.
The Law of Moses outlined how God's people - the Israelites - were to approach their worship. They were to bring their "THANKSGIVING OFFERINGS" and "CALLING ON THE NAME OF THE LORD". This is what the Psalmist would do in his public worship in the Temple, bringing glory ("Hallelujahs") to the Lord.
"Now this is the Law of the Fellowship Sacrifice that someone may present to the Lord: if He present it for THANKSGIVING, in addition to the THANKSGIVING SACRIFICE, he is to present unleavened cakes mixed with olive oil, unleavened wafers coated with oil, and well kneaded cakes of fine flour mixed with oil. He is to present as his offering cakes of leavened bread with his THANKSGIVING SACRIFICE OF FELLOWSHIP." Leviticus 7:11-13(CSB)
This Psalm a Hallelujah (Praise the Lord) exclamation! This is what God's people are to do everywhere.
"The FUEL OF WORSHIP and the truth of God is REVERENCE, GRATITUDE AND JOY. But we still need to LIGHT THE FIRE to produce the HEART OF WORSHIP - we need the Holy Spirit to ignite us." John Piper
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"Heart of Worship", 2015, Matt Redman, worshipmusic.com, youtube
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Alexander, Pat & David, 2009, "The Lion Handbook to the Bible - 4th Edition", Lion Hudson Publishers.
Evans, Dr Tony, 2023, "God's Embrace in Grief", Small Group.com, Lifeway, Adobe Flash Player
Lucado, Max, 2003, "NCV, Devotional Bible - Experience the Heart of Jesus", Thomas Nelson.
Piper, John, 1989 ,"Desiring God", Multinomah Books, Questar Publishers
Swindoll, Charles, 1995, "Living the Psalms - Encouragement for the Daily Grind", Worthy Puiblishers
