Verse of the Day for November 16

Verse 11 is a confession most of us could sign. I said in my haste, All men are liars. The psalmist had been let down so badly that he decided nobody could be trusted. He admits it was said in a hurry, in a dark mood.

Then he lifts his eyes and asks a different question. What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? What can I possibly give back?

It is the question of someone who feels very small next to what he has received. The answer he arrives at is surprising. Not a great gift. Not a promise to work harder. I will take the cup of salvation.

The way to repay God, it turns out, is to receive more from him. To take the cup he holds out, and call on his name again. You do not settle the account. You keep drinking.

If you feel small this week, too poor, too ordinary, too far behind to offer God anything worth having, this psalm was written for you. Do what it says. Take, and call. On the walk to the borehole or the train, hold out your empty hands and let that be your thanks.

The smallest person in the room can still hold out a cup.

Receiving from God is not rudeness, it is the answer he asked for.