Our Life and Death are Precious to the Lord in Psalm 116

Comforters often share support out of this chapter of the psalter. The psalmist claims that the death of a saint is precious to God. That is an amazing declaration. This is an encouraging psalm for every sufferer facing loss.

“I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.” Psalm 116:1-2

The psalmist begins with love for God because God’s ears are open to entreaties for mercy. God is predisposed to listening to the needs of his people. This is incredibly reassuring for anyone experiencing the brokenness of this world.

The psalmist expounds on the effects of the surrounding brokenness. Death’s snares encompass him. Sheol’s pangs grip him. Distress and anguish pour over him.

Then.

“Then I called on the name of the Lord: ‘O Lord, I pray, deliver my soul!’ Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; our God is merciful.” Psalm 116:5

In the context of brokenness, the psalmist calls out to the name of the Lord. He cries out for deliverance. And his call settles upon the graciousness of his righteous and merciful God. The simple are preserved. The lowly are saved. Rest is given. Bounty is promised. The soul is delivered from death. Eyes are delivered from tears. Feet are delivered from stumbling.

The psalmist confidently asserts that he will walk in the land of the living. Even if he is afflicted, he will stand before God.

“What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me?” Psalm 116:12

When you’re a recipient of the Lord’s goodness, what can you give in return? Cries of mercy have been met with deliverance. Gratitude is the appropriate response to the gifts of the Lord. The psalmist lifts the cup of salvation and calls upon God. He promises to fulfill his vows.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15

The Lord has paid a high price in eternity past to redeem his people. Precious blood was spilled on our behalf. God the Father reconciles his people back to himself. We are precious to him. And our death is precious because precious blood makes our union possible.

Trustworthy.

The psalmist responds with promised servanthood. The Lord has freed him, and he commits himself to a life of service. He lifts his voice and offers his thanksgiving. He joyfully calls on the name of the Lord.

“I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people…” Psalm 116:18

The psalmist embraces the role of an indentured servant. He owes so much and vows to pay. He makes a promise to pay his vows in the presence of all people. Further, he stands in the courts of the Lord and promises to pay his vows.

I am reminded of the sinful woman who poured perfume on the feet of Jesus. The Pharisees were appalled at the act of such a woman and even more disgusted that Jesus allowed it. Then after telling the parable of the moneylender and debtors, Jesus simply ends the conversation saying, “Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little” (Luke 7:47).

Pleas for mercy are met with precious blood. Our life and death are precious to our Father.