Repaying God

September 22

(Psalm 116:10-14 NIV) “I believed; therefore I said, "I am greatly afflicted." {11} And in my dismay I said, "All men are liars.” {12} How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me? {13} I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. {14} I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.”

(2 Corinthians 9:8-15 NIV)  "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. {9} As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." {10} Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. {11} You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. {12} This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. {13} Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. {14} And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. {15} Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!"

All of us come to God “greatly afflicted”. Realizing our afflictions is part of coming to faith in Christ. When we see ourselves as we really are, and see the lying world for what it really is, we begin to look for an alternative. When we finally come to the Lord, we realize that we can never fully repay Him for all the good things He has done for us. But there are three things we can do. First, we can share His salvation with others. God’s grace is given to us for more than just personal consumption. Second, we can call on His name in prayer and praise. Make the name of Jesus a frequent guest in your personal and public conversation. Third, we can keep our promises to God. The relationship God establishes with us is meant to last through thick and thin, until the day we die. These things we do because God opened our eyes and healed our great afflictions. It’s the least we can do. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day