God Heard My Cry
Study note
The psalmist loves the Lord because he heard his cry for mercy. When the cords of death wrapped around him and he was filled with anguish, he called on the Lord to save him.
1 My heart is full of love for the LORD, because he listened when I begged for help. I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.
2 He leaned in close to hear me, so I will talk to him for the rest of my life. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.
3 Death wrapped around me like tight ropes, and the grave closed in on me. I felt crushed by pain and sadness. The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.
4 So I called out to the LORD and said, 'Please, LORD, save me!' Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.
Rest, My Soul
Study note
The Lord is gracious, righteous, and compassionate. He protects the simple. The psalmist tells his soul to rest because God has been good. God saved him from death, dried his tears, and kept his feet from stumbling.
5 The LORD is kind and does what is right. Our God overflows with tender care. Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.
6 The LORD watches over those who are helpless. When I had nothing left, he came and rescued me. The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.
7 Be at peace again, my soul, because the LORD has treated you so well. Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.
8 You pulled me back from dying, LORD. You dried my tears and kept me from falling. For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.
9 I will live my life before the LORD here among the living. I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
10 I held on to my trust in God, even when I cried out, 'My suffering is so heavy!' I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:
11 When fear took over me, I blurted out, 'Nobody can be trusted!' I said in my haste, All men are liars.
What Can I Give Back to God?
Study note
What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness? I will lift the cup of salvation and call on the Lord's name. I will fulfill my vows in the presence of all his people. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones. Praise the Lord!
12 What could I ever give back to the LORD for all the wonderful things he has done for me? What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?
13 I will raise high the cup that stands for his rescue and call out to the LORD. I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.
14 I will do everything I promised the LORD, there where all his people can see. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.
15 When one of his faithful people dies, it matters deeply to the LORD. Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
16 LORD, I truly am your servant. I serve you just like my mother did before me. You broke every chain that held me down. O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.
17 I will bring you an offering of thanks and call out to you, LORD. I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.
18 I will keep every promise I made to the LORD while all his people watch, I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people,
19 there in the courtyards of the LORD's house, right in the middle of Jerusalem. Praise the LORD! In the courts of the LORD's house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.