Show Don't Tell: Psalm 116

Instead of saying "Thank God for deliverance from death," feel the cords tightening. "I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live." Love because he listened. "The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow." Death as rope binding, grave pressing down. "Then I called on the name of the LORD: 'LORD, save me!' The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The LORD protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me." Unwary protected, brought low then saved. "Return to your rest, my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. For you, LORD, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling." Three deliverances—death, tears, stumbling. "What shall I return to the LORD for all his goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD. I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people." Cup of salvation—Passover imagery, Jesus using it. "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants." Not eager for their death but valuing their life and faithfulness. "Truly I am your servant, LORD; I serve you just as my mother did; you have freed me from my chains." Mother's faith passed down. "I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the LORD... in the courts of the house of the LORD—in your midst, Jerusalem. Praise the LORD."