I love the LORD

"Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; our God is merciful. The LORD preserves the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me. Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you." - Psalm 116:5-7 (ESV)

As per my dad's advice, I read through a Psalm and Proverb daily before reading through other books of the Bible. It centers me. Psalm 116, although I read it a few days ago, has resonated in my heart even until this morning. Better than the words I can use to express my heart, here it is - my praise to my Lord.

I'm partial to the English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible - but I like how the Message translation puts Psalm 116. Read, remember, be blessed:

Psalm 116 (The Message translation)

I love God because he listened to me, listened as I begged for mercy. He listened so intently as I laid out my case before him.

Death stared me in the face, hell was hard on my heels. Up against it, I didn't know which way to turn; then I called out to God for help: "Please, God!" I cried out. "Save my life!"

God is gracious - it is he who makes things right, our most compassioante God. God takes the side of the helpless; when I was at the end of my rope, he saved me. I said to myself, "Relax and rest. God has showered you with blessings.

"Soul, you've been rescued from death; Eye, you've been rescued from tears; And you, Foot, were kept from sttumbling." I'm striding in the presence of God, alive in the land of the living!

I stayed faithful, though bedeviled, and despite a ton of bad luck, despite giving up on the human race, saying, "They're all liars and cheats."

What can I give back to God for the blessings he's poured out on me? I'll lift high the cup of salvation - a toast to God! I'll pray in the name of God; I'll complete what I promised God I'd do, and I'll do it together with his people.

When they arrive at the gates of death, God welcomes those who love him. Oh, God, here I am, your servant, your faithful servant: set me free for your service! I'm ready to offer the thanksgiving sacrifice and pray in the name of God. I'll complete what I promised God I'd do, and I'll do it in company with his people,

In the place of worship, in God's house, in Jerusalem, God's city. Hallelujah!