Rex H. Henderson

PSALM 116

I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live. The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow. Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul. Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful. The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me. Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee. For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living. I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted: I said in my haste, All men are liars. What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people. Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds. I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people, In the courts of the LORD’S house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD." (Psalm 116, KJV)

Psalm 116

Help of the Helpless

The writer was helplessly sick,
But God heard his cry for mercy,
And delivered him from death.
“I will call on him as long as I live.”

I think of the hymn, “Abide with Me.”
        “When other helpers fail,
           and comforts flee,
         Help of the helpless,
            O abide with me.”

In helplessness, no ray of hope,
All seemed powerless and dead
Beyond earthly powers I cried,
And found help in God alone.

God is a great comfort in death’s
Hour. He watches over His people
Making His presence known;
The greatest solace ever found.

How may we repay God for mercies?
To quote Spurgeon:

       “The best return for one like me,
        So wretched and so poor,
        Is from his gifts to draw a plea
        And ask him still for more.”

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