It is interesting to notice throughout the psalms the way in which man’s response to God is portrayed. The utterances in poetry, which were expressed in song, often tell the sense of indebtedness felt by hearts in tune with God. “Give unto the Lord” is an expression often used, Psa. 29. 1, 2; 96. 7, 8. We feel the energy and enthusiasm behind the dedication and worship of those who celebrated God’s greatness and goodness.
It has been said that “the New Testament itself could hardly give a better glimpse than this of heaven’s grace and man’s response, all in the simplest most direct terms” (D. Kidner). Today we shall look at some “I will’s” in this psalm which express such response of one who loves his God. Note the beauty of verse 1, “I love the Lord, because …”. Affection has been drawn out by God’s gracious dealings with the soul.
- “I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord”, v. 13. “What shall I render … I will take”, vv. 12, 13. Rendering by receiving. Man’s greatest answer to God’s saving grace is to receive with open hand the fulness of life in Christ. Here is expressed penitence and gratitude. In such a response, God is glorified; cf. Rom. 10. 9-13.
- “I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord”, v. 17; “I am thy servant”, v. 16. The psalmist is enjoying the sense of freedom that comes as his bonds are loosed. Freedom inspires thanksgiving and devoted service—a paradox! But in the service of the Lord there is the highest freedom; cf. Col. 1. 12, 13.
- “I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people”, vv. 18, 19. It is interesting to remember that, added to the compulsory offerings of Israel, there were “vows” and voluntary offerings which expressed devotion and gratitude to the Lord, Lev. 7. 16. Compare the Nazarite vow in Numbers 6. Vows must be honoured as a token of devotion to the Lord; cf. Eccles. 5. 1-5.
- “I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living”, v. 9. No mere lip service will satisfy the claims of the Lord upon our lives. The true response of devotion can only be seen in the walk that pleases God.
“Walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing”, Col. 1. 10.
