God has been good to the psalmist!

Though the man endured numerous trials and heartaches, God has brought him into some blessed places! And now the “sufferer” turned “adorer” wants to thank God!

Here are the 3 verses from Psalm 66 … immediately prior to our Text today. “For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins. Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: BUT THOU BROUGHTEST US OUT INTO A WEALTHY PLACE.” Psalm 66:10-12

Then, having been the recipient of such “wealthy” benefits … what’s a worshipper to do?

Now … today’s verse: “I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows.” Psalm 66:13, God’s House, of course.

He will bring an offering to His Lord!

Always, through the entire history of humanity, a “gift” is appropriate to express appreciation, love, gratefulness.

Here, not a gift to earn anything. Rather, a gift out of the overflowing joy of one’s heart, a gift of exultation as well.

And a “burnt offering,” an animal sacrifice in which the entire little creature is consumed by fire … a “preview” of a coming Saviour might be in view as well!

One who would die on the Cross … to save from sins!

And “paying” one’s vows simply means keeping the promises one made to his or her God at any time in the past.

The “essence” of today’s verse is this: DO NOT FORGET THE BLESSINGS GOD HAS SHOWERED UPON YOU. IN BAD TIMES OR GOOD TIMES! RECIPROCATE WITH A HEART OF LOVE AND WORSHIP!

For us that means something like going to Church (faithfully). Singing His praises! Living a life in conformity to His Word!

And certainly, living up to the commitments made to Him in one’s life.

“I will go into Thy House with burnt offerings: I will pay Thee my vows.”

Amen!

Dr. Mike Bagwell