1161 I love Yahweh, because he listens to my voice,
and my cries for mercy. 2 Because he has turned his ear to me,
therefore I will call on him as long as I live. 3 The cords of death surrounded me,
the pains of Sheol got a hold of me.
I found trouble and sorrow. 4 Then I called on the name of Yahweh:
“Yahweh, I beg you, deliver my soul.” 5 Yahweh is Gracious and righteous.
Yes, our God is merciful. 6 Yahweh preserves the simple.
I was brought low, and he saved me. 7 Return to your rest, my soul,
for Yahweh has dealt bountifully with you. 8 For you have delivered my soul from death,
my eyes from tears,
and my feet from falling.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 116:1-8
Commentary on Psalm 116:1-9
(Read Psalm 116:1-9)
We have many reasons for loving the Lord, but are most affected by his loving-kindness when relieved out of deep distress. When a poor sinner is awakened to a sense of his state, and fears that he must soon sink under the just wrath of God, then he finds trouble and sorrow. But let all such call upon the Lord to deliver their souls, and they will find him gracious and true to his promise. Neither ignorance nor guilt will hinder their salvation, when they put their trust in the Lord. Let us all speak of God as we have found him; and have we ever found him otherwise than just and good? It is of his mercies that we are not consumed. Let those who labour and are heavy laden come to him, that they may find rest to their souls; and if at all drawn from their rest, let them haste to return, remembering how bountifully the Lord has dealt with them. We should deem ourselves bound to walk as in his presence. It is a great mercy to be kept from being swallowed up with over-much sorrow. It is a great mercy for God to hold us by the right hand, so that we are not overcome and overthrown by a temptation. But when we enter the heavenly rest, deliverance from sin and sorrow will be complete; we shall behold the glory of the Lord, and walk in his presence with delight we cannot now conceive.