Faith, Trust and Action by Pastor Dave

“What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfil my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.”
Psalm 116: 12-14
 
Psalm 116
 
Observe
This Psalm consists of three interactions of thanksgiving with the Lord over His mercy and deliverance:

1. Out of love the Psalmist turns to the Lord (1-2) motivated by the threat of trouble, even death (3-4). The call is based on previous acts of deliverance where God has saved (5-8)
2. The second interaction is prayer, a holy conversation (9-10); again motivated by affliction but focused on the saving goodness of God (11-13)
3. The final interaction is a statement of intent to fulfil the vows the Psalmist has made to God, in front of His people. Vows of service made in thanksgiving for and praise of God (14-19)

 
Interpret
     This Psalm is one of a group (113-118) often sung in praise during specific Jewish holidays and on the eve of the Passover (Paschal Hallel). It can also be seen as a personal song of faith in God’s deliverance when facing tribulation. Whether personal or corporate the Psalm displays a love for God fostered by a personal relationship with Him in which there have been past experiences of His salvation. This relationship leads to thanksgiving and faith in God for the future.
     In the interactions we see in the Psalm (and described above), we find: the Cry of Faith; a Conversation of Trust; and a Commitment to Action. The cry of faith describes a turning to God in the belief that He is able to and will save. The conversation of trust compares God with the affliction faced and evil in humankind. Trust is the outcome because of the graceful goodness of God’s salvation. The commitment to action is faith being lived out. It involves a recognition of the nature of the servant relationship with God and His faithfulness. The commitment includes praise due to God’s nature and a realization of the need to fulfil vows made as a member of His covenant people.
     The Psalm describes a beautiful journey from suffering and spiritual bondage to praise and action in a relationship with God based on His redemptive grace.
 
Application
     This Psalm can undoubtedly be applied as a journey of personal salvation, and wonderfully so. The journey from estrangement with God to reconciliation through Jesus Christ. It can also be applied if we are facing suffering or a challenging situation. What I would call you to consider though is its application to our Baptismal vows. Why, because twice the Psalmist commits to fulfilling his vows to God made in front of His people (14&18), and because quite frankly the world needs the Church as perhaps it never has before. God is calling His people to be faithful to their commitment to Him. Have a look at the vows reproduced below. Which are you prompted to make a Cry of Faith over? What Conversation of Trust will you have with God about this vow? How will you re-Commit it to Action?
 
 
The Question of Application
Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
I will, with God’s help.
Will you persevere in resisting evil and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
I will, with God’s help.
Will you proclaim by word and example the good news of God in Christ?
I will, with God’s help.
Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbour as yourself?
I will, with God’s help.
Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
I will, with God’s help.
Will you strive to safeguard the integrity of God's creation, and respect, sustain and renew the life of the Earth?
I will, with God’s help.
   
Prayer
    Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon us your servants the forgiveness of sin, and have raised us to the new life of grace. Sustain us, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit. Give us an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works. Amen.
(A Baptismal Prayer)
 
Praise 
Here I am send me – Darlene Zschech
Holy Water – We the Kingdom