Psalm 116:12

Psalm 116:12

What shall I return to the Lord for all His goodness to me?

This verse poses a question that has occupied many minds over the centuries, and it is still being answered with a wide variety of responses. There is no doubt that many individuals, families and even some nations feel an indebtedness to the Lord, for all that He has done. The UK used to be part of that equation although we have long since ceased to give the Lord God credit for anything! So, we must face this question as individuals, families and churches, “What can we give to the Lord in return for all His goodness to us?” “What can I give Him for all His goodness to me?”

The Jews saw the answer in their sacrificial offerings, especially the “Thank” or “Freewill” offerings. Through these rituals, they had an opportunity to sacrifice the very best of what they owned, and the sacrifice would benefit the priesthood as well as themselves. Some Christians have viewed isolation, celibacy and taking orders, as a way of dedicating themselves to God, in the belief that this is some sort of repayment for His goodness. 

In fact, thousands have made sacrificial gifts of time, money, energy and devotion to the Lord as a way of saying “thank you” to Him for His grace and generosity, But, are all these the answer? 

·      Psalm 51:17 tells us                “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” 

·      Romans 12:1 urges us to        “Offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.”

·      Hebrews 13:15 adds               “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that openly profess His name.” 

There are many ways of saying “thank You” to God although I hesitate to suggest that any one of them or any combination of them will ever repay what He has done for us. What matters to Him is that we recognise His goodness and seek a response that will give Him glory. Let’s think about how we might do this today. Hallelujah!

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