Psalms 116:12 - Homilies By S. Conway

The inquiry of the grateful heart.

Many are the blessed spirits that worship God—penitence, faith, reverence, hope, and others. But none are more acceptable than the spirit of gratitude. It is that spirit which speaks here in our text. The following verses contain the answer which the same spirit gives. The inquiry before us implies remembrance of—

I. THE BENEFITS WHICH THE LORD HATH CONFERRED UPON US .

1. It is difficult because of their number, character, variety; and because of Satan's never-ceasing endeavor to hinder us herein.

2. But is full of advantage . More glory comes to God. Our own soul is blessed. We become able to help others.

3. It is a habit which we should cultivate .

II. THE RESPONSE WHICH THESE BENEFITS DEMAND . That of a grateful heart, first and chief of all. God is ever seeking to make up this response; and the devil is ever seeking to prevent it.

III. THE LORD WHO PROMPTS THE INQUIRY WILL ENABLE US TO GIVE THE RESPONSE .—S.C.