Psalm 116


Yesterday in church, our Pastor was talking about being in transition and read Psalm 116. There were some verses that resonated with me, so I made a note and then re-read it again this morning and spent some time journaling on it. Here is what it says:
Psalm 116

1 I love the LORD, for he heard my voice;
he heard my cry for mercy.
2 Because he turned his ear to me,
I will call on him as long as I live.
3 The cords of death entangled me,
the anguish of the grave came over me;
I was overcome by distress and sorrow.
4 Then I called on the name of the LORD:
“LORD, save me!”

5 The LORD is gracious and righteous;
our God is full of compassion.
6 The LORD protects the unwary;
when I was brought low, he saved me.

7 Return to your rest, my soul,
for the LORD has been good to you.

8 For you, LORD, have delivered me from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling,
9 that I may walk before the LORD
in the land of the living.

10 I trusted in the LORD when I said,
“I am greatly afflicted”;
11 in my alarm I said,
“Everyone is a liar.”

12 What shall I return to the LORD
for all his goodness to me?

13 I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the LORD.
14 I will fulfill my vows to the LORD
in the presence of all his people.

15 Precious in the sight of the LORD
is the death of his faithful servants.
16 Truly I am your servant, LORD;
I serve you just as my mother did;
you have freed me from my chains.

17 I will sacrifice a thank offering to you
and call on the name of the LORD.
18 I will fulfill my vows to the LORD
in the presence of all his people,
19 in the courts of the house of the LORD—
in your midst, Jerusalem.

Praise the LORD

Here are some of the phrases I love (in my own paraphrase)... "He heard my voice and cry for mercy...he turned his ear to me...he is gracious...righteous...full of compassion...protects the simplehearted...saves me when I am in need...he has been good to my soul...I can rest in him...he delivered me from my tears and from stumbling...HE IS FULL OF COMPASSION."

When I think about my journey, I have come a long ways, but not on my own strength. God isn't just a little compassionate when it comes to our life...he is FULL of compassion. I am so thankful for compassion along this journey.

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