Maybe if I had a better memory, I wouldn’t continually be surprised by the same stuff over and over again . . . but then again, maybe not. Psalm 116 is on my reading plan this morning and what “grabbed me” this morning is something which I know has “grabbed me” in the past. I had to verify it anew this morning . . . because I really didn’t remember I had seen this before until I then went and checked out an old devo I had written. Anyway, here’s the deal . . . Psalm 116 begins with four words which you would think would be a very common phrase in Scripture but, when you read them, you realize that you haven’t seen them anywhere else . . . and they aren’t. I wonder why . . .

“I love the Lord” (Psalm 116:1a)

There it is . . . that’s the phrase . . . a simple declaration by a thankful Psalmist . . . just 4 simple English words (found in all translations) . . . found only once in all of Scripture . . . “I love the Lord.” But four simple words that stir the heart of the believer . . . a simple phrase which evokes such deep gratitude . . . an unambiguous declaration which connects so deeply with all those who know the grace of God . . . and who know the God of grace.

And, while I am surprised that it is only found this once in Scripture, I find myself asking, “How often is this phrase found in my vocabulary? When is the last time I put these four words together and directed them heavenward?” Not that I haven’t often thanked God for His goodness . . . not that I haven’t lifted my voice in praise and worship frequently . . . but when was the last time I closed my eyes . . . and sought, by the Spirit’s enabling, to approach the Father . . . asked the Spirit to help me see Jesus . . . and uttered these simple four words, this one simple phrase, “I love the Lord”. Not often enough, I’m thinking.

Later in the Psalm, the psalmist asks, “What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me?” And he answers his own question with, “I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord.” (116:12-13) There’s another phrase you only find here in Psalm 116, “the cup of salvation.” It kind of has the idea of a toast . . . of a special libation . . . a cup of blessing raised in reverence to honor the One who had brought deliverance to the psalmist. Doesn’t seem like much to “render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me” . . . but I’m guessing that in the overall economy of heaven, such a gesture is highly valued by the Lord. To take time away from doing . . . and pause and raise the cup of salvation, calling upon the name of the Lord, declaring, “I love the Lord!”

That’s the sacrifice of thanksgiving (116:17) . . . that’s “the sacrifice of praise to God . . . the fruit of our lips . . . giving thanks to His name” (Heb. 13:15). It’s expressing the deep-seated response of our hearts in four simple words . . . one simple phrase . . . to a great and awesome God . . . “I love the Lord!”

Oh, that I might raise the cup more often . . . that I might not grow complacent of all his benefits . . . that I might never forget the wonder of my deliverance . . . that I might sincerely . . . and frequently declare, “I love the Lord” . . . for His glory . . . amen.

I love You Lord . . . and I lift my voice . . . to worship You, O my soul rejoice! Take joy, my King . . . in what You hear . . . may it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear . . .