I love the LORD, for he heard my voice;
    he heard my cry for mercy.
Because he turned his ear to me,
    I will call on him as long as I live.

I love how this psalm starts with a burst of adoration for God before it goes into how He has heard the writer. And towards the end, the psalmist goes into what his love leads him to do: serve the Lord out of thanks for all His goodness to him.

This past year has been an emotional rollercoaster, to say the least. But when I take a step back and look at what I’ve been doing and what has been happening in my life objectively, I’m just floored with humility and thankfulness.

I truly feel God has been hearing my voice, my cries for mercy. I’ve felt His compassion and His grace in my times of distress and sorrow. I’ve deeply felt that phrase, “I’ve got you,” in ways that felt huge to me in the moment. All of those things, I’m treasuring them in my heart.

The Lord is gracious and righteous;
    our God is full of compassion.
The Lord protects the unwary;
    when I was brought low, he saved me.

I’m going to Japan on a mission trip in just a few days. If I’m being completely honest, because of my emotions and busyness, I’ve found it hard to focus on preparing for my heart. But late one night this week, it suddenly hit me how lucky I am to go to Japan. I get to be part of Christ’s mission on this earth, to share His Gospel to a people group I have such a heart for.

Instead of being selfish and wallowing in my emotions, I found tears behind my eyes because of how thankful I was to be able to go to Japan again and serve in this way. I’ve struggled with having a positive outlook preparing for this trip, but the Holy Spirit’s given me a renewed perspective on what I’m doing and how I can respond to all of the grace and compassion God has shown me this year.

What shall I return to the Lord
    for all his goodness to me?
I will lift up the cup of salvation
    and call on the name of the Lord.
I will fulfill my vows to the Lord
    in the presence of all his people.

Truly I am your servant, Lord;
    I serve you just as my mother did;
    you have freed me from my chains.

Others might struggle to believe that God is good, but I find His goodness in so many ways. Sometimes it’s big, sometimes it’s small. Sometimes in my own life or it’s in the lives of others. Even when there’s pain or suffering involved, God’s goodness is still visible and I often can’t help but see it.

My reaction is always the same: inexplicable awe and gratitude.

How do I live to “repay” the Lord for my salvation? By following His commands; by trying to live right in the eyes of God; by seeking His wisdom and will, not merely my own. I can never “repay” God for giving me life, so instead of feeling obligated, I want to keep cultivating the heart at the beginning of Psalm 116—I want to love the Lord and serve Him out of my overflowing love for Him.

Lord, teach me how to take on Your perspective on a daily basis, to pour out love—Your love—to others, and to constantly seek You in both good times and bad. I want to keep leaning on You, forever.

Be at rest once more, O my soul,
 for the LORD has been good to you.