[295 words]
The question asked in Psalm 116:12, “What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me?”, could only come from the lips of humans. Humans alone are endowed with the ability to be concerned about gratitude and its obligations.
Two thoughts might be considered in regard to that question. They are telling when we relate them to ourselves.
GOD’S BENEFITS. Do we acknowledge God’s “benefits” toward us? Some spend more time complaining about what they do not have, rather than counting blessings. The poorest among us has many times more than millions in India, China, and Africa. If we did as that old song suggests, “Count your many blessings,” we would soon realize what an abundance of them we have. But, not just physical blessings. The child of God recognizes that God “has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Eph. 1:3).
OUR OBLIGATION. There is something to do in response to our benefits. And, it is not because of God’s need, but our need. We need to offer “the sacrifice of thanksgiving” (Ps. 116:17. Twice the author of this Psalm says he will “pay my vows” (14, 18). He was not afraid to make a promise to God, just as faithful Christians are not afraid to sign a purpose card. Paul would commend the Corinthians and urge them to complete the desired giving they expressed a year earlier (2 Cor. 9:10-11).
It is easy to say we are grateful. It is more difficult to prove it. Perhaps that is why Paul urged the Corinthians, “testing the sincerity of your love” (2 Cor. 8:8.)
Have you answered the question of Ps. 116:12 in a way that God will be honored?
Allen Hahn
Graeber Road church of Christ
Rosenberg, TX