April 22, 2026
Love for the Lord #
Psalm 116:1-8
Introduction
There are many outlines of this Psalm. Each one of them offers a unique perspective on the Psalm. It is a Psalm that is more poetical in voice, with specifics left out. It is a very personal Psalm with over 30 personal references of I, me, my, mine. Therefore it is a heartfelt Psalm.
It is a longer Psalm, and we will not be able to cover every point that is made in this Psalm. There is a lot to explore and learn from this Psalm that will not be covered tonight. However, I think I can give you enough to help you find the rest of the information in this Psalm. This is a Psalm of thanksgiving, ending in “Praise ye the LORD.”
I. Reasons to Love the Lord (1-8) #
A. He Listens (1-2) #
i. “he hath heard my voice” #
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- Audible praying, we often think of them as public prayers…. You can audibly pray by yourself.
- We talked about this last week, but it is amazing to have the ear of the God of the universe!
a) People complain of loneliness… talk to God as if he is a friend… because you’ll never have a better friend! #
ii. “and my supplications” #
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- God doesn’t just hear our voices, but he hears our supplications, or our request.
- As a parent, when talking with your teen, sometimes you feel like you are talking to a wall. They can hear your voice, but they are not listening to what you are saying!
- God hears what we are saying!
iii. Continued prayer! (2) #
- We continue in prayer, because we know he does listen!!!
B. He Delivers (3-4) #
i. Troubles come! (3) #
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- If David is the author, there were many times which he walked in the valley of the shadow of death!
- Life threatening situations will drive you to God quickly!
ii. “Then called I upon the name of the LORD” #
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- He is the ONE that will listen, but also, CAN actually do something for us!
- If my car is broke down, I’m not calling a landscaping company. If my house needs repaired, I’m not calling a mechanic. God, is able to fix all woes!
C. He is Gracious (5) #
- Some people are not gracious, they are rude. God is gracious, gentle, compassionate.
D. He is Righteous (5) #
- God will NEVER steer you wrong!
E. He is Merciful (5) #
- Mercy is not getting what you deserve… God is merciful!
Psalm 136:1–3 —1 O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. 2 O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever. 3 O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.
- The prodigal son, is the best illustration of that mercy… asked to be servant… son
F. He preserveth the simple (6) #
i. God helps the simple #
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- We like to think of the simple as others… the Psalmist here, is referring to himself!
- “I was brought low, and he helped me.” – simple!
G. He Restores Rest & Joy (7) #
Matthew 11:28–30 —28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
II. Responsibilities of those who Love the Lord (9-19) #
Psalm 116:12 — What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me?
- Render means to payback… while it is impossible to pay God back entirely, we should give back to God!
A. Walk before the LORD (9) #
- Walk before the LORD in this life time, recognize God sees our actions in life!
Ephesians 5:2 — And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
Ephesians 5:8 — For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
Ephesians 5:15 — See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
B. Speak of the Lord (10) #
i. Discouraged by men (11) #
- Men will fail you!
ii. God will not fail you! (13) #
C. Pay your vows to God (14, 18 – Identical) #
i. You made the vow “My vow” #
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- People feel obligated to vow to God… be careful! That is a big obligation.
- You don’t have a deal with God…. Some say, I have a special arrangement with God.
ii. Public payment #
- Let other’s know you are living for the LORD
- Publicly serve him!