THANKFULNESS FOR GOD’S DELIVERANCE – Psalm 116 is a descriptive narration of God’s interventions and salvation on behalf of the psalmist and thus, much of this psalm is a response; it is a psalm of thanksgiving. The precise cause as to why “Death had it’s hands around my throat,” is anyone’s guess—a severe illness? An accident? A violent aggression that threatened life? Loss of a mate? A child? The psalmist—whatever had happened to him/her—experienced a mighty deliverance and thus, went to the Temple to offer God a sacrifice.

THE CUP OF SALVATION – In both the Jewish Passover and in the Christian tradition of the Last Supper, especially as it is commemorated on Maundy or Holy Thursday, the cup plays a pivotal role. When the psalmist answers his/her own question, What can I offer the lord for all he has done for me? the response provides an immediate allusion to our Judeo-Christian traditions—I will lift up a cup symbolizing his salvation (tev). In the Passover meal the evening involves the lifting up and blessing of four cups of wine; the fourth cup is raised during the readings of Psalms 115-118. Thus, the cup of salvation (verse 13) alludes to the deliverance from oppression in the land of slavery. More familiar to us is the Christian celebration of the Cup and the Bread. The NIB comments on the significance of the Cup: Christians are encouraged to listen to the psalmist’s experience as an anticipation of Jesus’ faithful suffering and ultimate deliverance from death in the resurrection. [1]

 

 What can I offer to the lord for all he has done for me? The psalmist slows down hurry and clutter enough to reflect on God’s goodness and then to respond in three ways: (1) through liturgy—I will lift up a cup symbolizing his salvation; (2) through heartfelt praise—I will praise the lord’s name for saving me; and (3) through action—I will keep my promises to the lord.

How do you respond to all God has done for you? How has your worship, heartfelt praise, and actions reflected gratitude and thankfulness? Take a moment and on a sheet of paper make two columns—write down what God has done for you in the past year; make a second list that includes appropriate responses that you may want to offer God as tangible ways to show your thankfulness.