By Tope Banso
“What can I offer the LORD for all he has done for me?” (Psalm 116:12 New Living Translation)
Thanksgiving is one thing that believers must be reminded from time to time. It can’t be overemphasized. More so that 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (New King James Version). Good thinkers are good thanks givers.
The psalmist asks a very important question in Psalm 116:12: “What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits toward me?” (New King James Version) The New Living Translation puts it thus: “What can I offer the LORD for all he has done for me?” This is a good way to think every day as a grateful child of God. It’s not to complain or accuse God for the challenges of life.
The psalmist went ahead to answer this question. We can learn from the psalmist’s answer as we thank God for all He has done for us.
The psalmist mentioned what he would do, in verses 13-14: “For all His benefits toward me? I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows to the LORD Now in the presence of all His people” (New King James Version).
From the psalmist answer, I’ve identified three things we can offer to the LORD for all He has done for us.
1. Give an offering of thanks to the LORD to appreciate Him. You can’t pay Him. Verse 17 of our main text, Psalm 116, says, “I will offer you a sacrifice of thanksgiving” (New Living Translation). You can give to the LORD an offering of thanksgiving. I’m not talking of verbal appreciation of the LORD, but giving material things to thank Him. Amos 4:5a says, “Offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving with leaven, proclaim and announce the freewill offerings” (New King James Version). Offer your money or any material thing as sacrifice of thanksgiving (Psalm 107:22a).
2. Pray to the LORD. Obviously, the prayer here is not that of making requests, but of thanksgiving. Thank God with your words and songs. Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving (Psalm 147:7). The psalmist says, in verse 13b of Psalm 116, “I will praise the LORD’s name for saving me” (New Living Translation).
3. Pay your vows without delay. The psalmist said he would pay his vows to the LORD “now” in the presence of all His people (Psalm 116:14,18). David said he would pay his vows before those who fear the LORD (Psalm 22:25).
Vows are not compulsory, but once you make them, you must fulfill them. The Bible forbids failure to redeem your vows (Deuteronomy 23:21-23; Numbers 30:1-2; Ecclesiastes 5:4-6; Psalm 76:11; Proverbs 20:25). Psalm 50:14 says, “Offer to God thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High” (New King James Version).
What have you offered to the LORD for all He has done for you? Always give thanks for everything (Ephesians 5:20). Enter His gates with thanksgiving (Psalm 95:2). Magnify Him with thanksgiving (Psalm 69:30).
PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You for all You’ve done for me.
This is wisdom for living, and it’s worth sharing. Please share.
(For more inspiring messages, visit: www.cedarministry.org).
▪ Banso, an Abuja-based minister can be reached at Cedar Ministry International,
cedarministryintl@yahoo.com, cedarministryng@gmail.com
Tel No: +2348155744752,+2348033113523
WhatsApp No: +2349081295947
