By Lisa Wilmore
Dear Hearts,
Amazingly God gives us what we need to survive even the worst of storms-not only earthly storms, but spiritual storms as well. The psalmist declared his love for the Lord because God heard his voice and his supplications, saying, “I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live” (Psalm 116:1–2, KJV). Out of gratitude, he then asked a question that must also be our question today and forevermore: “What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?” (Psalm 116:12, KJV). What can we give to the Lord for all that He has done for us?
As a point, I am reminded of my “Dad”, God rest his soul, who always made sure that our family had everything we needed throughout the year, especially during the cold winter months. There were eight of us, and every Christmas he made sure we had good boots and shoes, knowing winter was approaching and wanting us to be warm. Although we received other gifts, my parents ensured that we had what would last us through the season. They often went without so that we could have what we needed. As we grew older, my siblings and I tried to provide whatever our “Dad” needed to the best of our ability. On special occasions like birthdays, we often wondered what to give him, asking ourselves what would you give someone who already has everything.
That same question applies to our heavenly Father. What shall we render to God, who already owns everything? The answer is found in Scripture. God desires what only we can give that will please Him, our hearts. The psalmist answered his own question when he said, “I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people” (Psalm 116:13–14, KJV). We render to God our lives, our obedience, our worship, and our faithfulness. The Word further reminds us, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1, KJV).
When we reflect on the storms the Lord has brought us through, the blessings He pours out daily, and His continual goodness toward us, the answer becomes clear. What shall we render unto the Lord? We must render it all to our heavenly Father for His goodness toward us.
Let us Pray: Father, thank You for your goodness toward us. Even though we, at times, take your love for granted, you diligently extend grace and mercy to us. Thank You for saving us through Your Son, Jesus Christ. We love You, Father, with all of our hearts, souls, and minds. In Jesus Name. Amen!
Jesus Saves!
