EGW WritingsPsalms 116

Manuscript Releases, vol. 19 [Nos. 1360-1419]

MR No. 1405—Excerpts From Diary, July 6-31, 1892; Strong Expressions of Faith in Spite of Physical Trials

19MR 297.1

Preston, Melbourne, July 25, 1892—Last night I spent many wakeful hours in prayer. I am resolved to cast myself, body, soul, and spirit, upon the Lord. I cannot take drugs. They do me no good, but harm. I long for the blessing of the Lord. My heart goes out after God. I tremble at His word. I am encouraged as I look to Jesus and recount His lovingkindnesses: “In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: He heard my voice out of His temple, and my cry came before Him, even into His ears.” “He brought me forth also into a large place; He delivered me, because He delighted in me” (Psalm 18:6, 19). “I love the Lord, because He hath heard my voice and my supplications” (Psalm 116:1). This has been my experience day and night during my sickness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 34, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 34, 1892, par. 42

Last night I spent many wakeful hours in prayer. I am resolved to cast myself, body, soul, and spirit, upon the Lord. I cannot take drugs. They do me no good, but harm. I long for the blessing of the Lord. My heart goes out after God. I tremble at His word. I am encouraged as I look to Jesus and recount His lovingkindnesses: “In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.” “He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.” Psalm 18:6, 19. “I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.” Psalm 116:1. This has been my experience day and night during my sickness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 20, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 20, 1892, par. 20

“In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: He heard my voice out of His temple, and my cry came before Him, even into His ears.” “He brought me forth also into a large place; He delivered me, because He delighted in me.” [Psalm 18:6, 9.] “I love the Lord, because He hath heard my voice and my supplications.” [Psalm 116:1.] This has been my experience day and night during my sickness.

God’s Amazing Grace

Praise God! November 13

AG 325.4

David declares, “I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live” (Psalm 116:1, 2). God’s goodness in hearing and answering prayer places us under heavy obligation to express our thanksgiving for the favors bestowed upon us. We should praise God much more than we do. The blessings received in answer to prayer should be promptly acknowledged....

Our Father Cares

Praise God! August 28

OFC 252.4

David declares, “I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live” (Psalm 116:1, 2). God’s goodness in hearing and answering prayer places us under heavy obligation to express our thanksgiving for the favors bestowed upon us. We should praise God much more than we do. The blessings received in answer to prayer should be promptly acknowledged....

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 158, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 158, 1902, par. 78

David declares, “I love the Lord, because He hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because He hath inclined His ear unto me, therefore will I call upon Him as long as I live.” [Psalm 116:1, 2.]

Education

Chapter 17—Poetry and Song

Ed 166.6

“The Lord preserveth the simple:
I was brought low, and He helped me.
Return unto thy rest, O my soul;
For the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee.
For Thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes
from tears, and my feet from falling.” Psalm 113:2, 3; 116:1-8.

With God at Dawn

As Long as I Live I Will Call, July 26

WGD 209.1

Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live. Psalm 116:2.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 58, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 58, 1900, par. 67

Paul continues, “We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written,” referring to the words of David: “I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak.” [Verse 13; Psalm 116:10.] Believing that the truth entrusted to him was a reality, nothing could induce him to handle the Word of God deceitfully, or to conceal the conviction of his soul. He would not purchase wealth, honor, or pleasure by a cowardly conformity to the opinions of the world. He was in daily expectation of martyrdom for this same faith which he had preached to the Corinthians. But he was not intimidated; for as Christ died and rose again, so the apostle had the assurance that the mighty power of Christ would raise his body also from the grave, and would accept and present him with all the faithful who had accepted his labors, to the Father. “For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound the glory of God.” [2 Corinthians 4:15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 185, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 185, 1905, par. 9

Study David’s experience. “I said in my haste,” he said, “all men are liars.” [Psalm 116:11.] But this was a speech calculated to do much harm. Words spoken in haste place men on the stool of repentance.

Conflict and Courage

Return to God His Own, February 28

CC 65.3

Jacob was not here seeking to make terms with God. The Lord had already promised him prosperity, and this vow was the outflow of a heart filled with gratitude for the assurance of God’s love and mercy. Jacob felt that God had claims upon him which he must acknowledge, and that the special tokens of divine favor granted him demanded a return. So does every blessing bestowed upon us call for a response to the Author of all our mercies. The Christian should often review his past life and recall with gratitude the precious deliverances that God has wrought for him, supporting him in trial, opening ways before him when all seemed dark and forbidding, refreshing him when ready to faint. He should recognize all of them as evidences of the watchcare of heavenly angels. In view of these innumerable blessings he should often ask, with subdued and grateful heart, “What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me?” (Psalm 116:12).

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 17—Jacob’s Flight and Exile

PP 187.3

Jacob was not here seeking to make terms with God. The Lord had already promised him prosperity, and this vow was the outflow of a heart filled with gratitude for the assurance of God’s love and mercy. Jacob felt that God had claims upon him which he must acknowledge, and that the special tokens of divine favor granted him demanded a return. So does every blessing bestowed upon us call for a response to the Author of all our mercies. The Christian should often review his past life and recall with gratitude the precious deliverances that God has wrought for him, supporting him in trial, opening ways before him when all seemed dark and forbidding, refreshing him when ready to faint. He should recognize all of them as evidences of the watchcare of heavenly angels. In view of these innumerable blessings he should often ask, with subdued and grateful heart, “What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me?” Psalm 116:12.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 36—The Touch of Faith Brings Healing

HLv 233.2

It is for our own benefit to keep every gift of God fresh in our memory. Thus faith is strengthened. Let us, then, remember the loving-kindness of the Lord. And as we review God’s dealings with us, let us declare, “What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me?” Psalm 116:12.

From Eternity Past

Chapter 17—Jacob’s Flight and Exile

EP 121.4

The Christian should often recall with gratitude the precious deliverances that God has wrought for him, opening ways before him when all seemed dark and forbidding, refreshing him when ready to faint. In view of innumerable blessings he should often ask, “What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me?” Psalm 116:12.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 28, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 28, 1897, par. 25

This incident is full of instruction. Jesus, the world’s Redeemer, is drawing close to the time when He will give His life for a sinful world. Yet how little did even His disciples realize what they were about to lose. Mary could not reason upon this subject. Her heart was filled with pure, holy love. The sentiment of her heart was, “What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me?” [Psalm 116:12.] This ointment, costly as it was estimated by the disciples, was but a poor expression of her love for her Master. But Christ could appreciate the gift as an expression of her love, and Mary’s heart was filled with perfect peace and happiness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 78, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 78, 1893, par. 2

Last night was [a] peaceful, restful night. The Lord was very near, and my heart was filled with gratitude and praise to His holy name. “What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me? I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord.” [Psalm 116:12, 13.]

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 36—The Touch of Faith

DA 348.2

It is for our own benefit to keep every gift of God fresh in our memory. Thus faith is strengthened to claim and to receive more and more. There is greater encouragement for us in the least blessing we ourselves receive from God than in all the accounts we can read of the faith and experience of others. The soul that responds to the grace of God shall be like a watered garden. His health shall spring forth speedily; his light shall rise in obscurity, and the glory of the Lord shall be seen upon him. Let us then remember the loving-kindness of the Lord, and the multitude of His tender mercies. Like the people of Israel, let us set up our stones of witness, and inscribe upon them the precious story of what God has wrought for us. And as we review His dealings with us in our pilgrimage, let us, out of hearts melted with gratitude, declare, “What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all His people.” Psalm 116:12-14.

The Ministry of Healing

“My Praise Shall Be Continually of Thee”

MH 102.1

“Thou art my trust from my youth....
My praise shall be continually of Thee.”
“I will make Thy name to be remembered:...
Therefore shall the people praise Thee.” Psalm 116:12-14, R.V.; 104:33, 34; 106:2; 105:1, 2 (A.R.V.), 2, 3; 63:3-7, A.R.V.; 56:11-13, A.R.V.; 71:22-24, 5, 6; 45:17.

The Upward Look

Take the Cup of Salvation, April 28

UL 132.1

I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. Psalm 116:13.

Life Sketches of Ellen G. White

Chapter 59—The “Elmshaven” Funeral Service

LS 451.1

The Scripture reading, by Elder George B. Starr, comprised the following passages, some of which were read only in part: Psalm 116:15, Ecclesiastes 7:2, 4; Romans 8:35, 37-39; John 6:39, 40; Daniel 12:2, 3; Revelation 14:12, 13; Ezekiel 37:12-14; Isaiah 26:19; Revelation 7:9-17; 21:4. The reading closed with a few verses especially illustrative of Mrs. White’s life experience: Psalm 40:9, 10 and Mark 14:8.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 40, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 40, 1897, par. 15

He has to go through the full run of typhoid fever. The tobacco fumes must have made his case very much worse. He suffered very much in stomach and bowels. I sent Sara down to help Brother Semmens; but the case is so critical that he will not leave him to go any [place]; he watches over him, and works and prays for him himself. I believe that God will spare Herbert’s life, and not suffer him to do down into the grave. All we can say is, “Thy will be done.” [Matthew 26:42.] “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” [Psalm 116:15.] O that God would impart the wisdom that we all so much need.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 183, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 183, 1898, par. 66

We are all sad and feel deeply over the case of Brother Tucker. He lives, and is not entirely unconscious, but it is evident he is dying. He has no pain, but the life forces cannot be rallied. He is watched by Sara McEnterfer and Brother Semmens. Both are strictly attentive to every apparent necessity, for our dear and much respected brother cannot tell us anything. He need not assure us of his condition in the dying. We have had in the living the evidence that he is prepared to fall asleep in Jesus and that he will awake the morning of the resurrection when all that are in their graves shall hear His voice and shall come forth. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 92, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 92, 1899, par. 10

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints” [Psalm 116:15], but the life of His servants is also precious, and they are not to imperil their health. In every place there is work needing to be done, and the life and health of God’s messengers are not to be sacrificed to any climate if it can be avoided. They are to move from one country to another. For the last thirty years I have borne this testimony. The Lord would not have any one of His workers remain in a climate that is deleterious to health, when there are other workers who can labor in the same place and not suffer harm.

Life Sketches of Ellen G. White

Discourse by Elder Haskell

LS 476.1

In his discourse following Elder Daniells’s address, Elder S. N. Haskell called attention to the words of the psalmist, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Psalm 116:15. Some may regard this as a strange statement; it is nevertheless true. The servants of God who are now sleeping, are to Him exceeding precious. So long as time shall last, the influence of their godly life will continue to yield rich fruitage. No longer can the enemy of the human race imperil their welfare; they are safe from his power. Jesus claims them as His own, and on the morning of the resurrection He will bestow upon them fullness of joy.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 13 [Nos. 1000-1080]

MR No. 1045—Use of the Tithe

13MR 286.1

He has to go through the full run of typhoid fever. The tobacco fumes must have made his case very much worse. He suffered very much in stomach and bowels. I sent Sara down to help Brother Semmens, but the case is so critical that he will not leave him to go anywhere; he watches over him, and works and prays for him himself. I believe that God will spare Herbert’s life, and not suffer him to go down into the grave. All we can say is, “Thy will be done.” “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” [Psalm 116:15]. Oh, that God would impart the wisdom that we all so much need!—Letter 40, 1897. (Written March 16, 1897, from “Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, N. S. W., to A. G. Daniells.)

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 21—Elisha’s Closing Ministry

PK 264.1

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Psalm 116:15. “The righteous hath hope in his death.” Proverbs 14:32. With the psalmist, Elisha could say in all confidence, “God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for He shall receive me.” Psalm 49:15. And with rejoicing he could testify, “I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.” Job 19:25. “As for me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness.” Psalm 17:15.

Selected Messages Book 2

Messages of Comfort to a Daughter-in-Law Suffering Affliction

2SM 250.3

I have no doubts, no unbelief in the case of Mary. She is the beloved of the Lord. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” (Psalm 116:15). Mary can say with Paul, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7, 8).

This Day With God

How to Face Bereavement, October 20

TDG 302.1

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Psalm 116:15.

This Day With God

Under His Wings, December 28

TDG 371.2

There is no greater evidence that Satan is working than that those who profess to be sanctified to God’s service persecute their fellow beings because they do not believe the same doctrine that they themselves believe. These will rush with fury against God’s people, stating as true that which they know to be untrue. Thus they show that they are inspired by him who is an accuser of the brethren, and a murderer of the saints of God. But if God permits tyrants to do with us as the priests did with His Son, shall we give up our faith, and go back to perdition? It is not because God does not care for us that He permits these things to be; for He declares, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints” (Psalm 116:15).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 78, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 78, 1890, par. 3

I have no doubts, no unbelief in the case of Mary. She is the beloved of the Lord. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” [Psalm 116:15.] Mary can say with Paul, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7, 8.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 45, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 45, 1897, par. 24

There is no greater evidence that Satan is working than that men who profess to be sanctified to God’s service, persecute their fellow beings because they do not believe the same doctrines that they themselves believe. These will rush with fury against God’s people, <falsifying [and] stating things they know are untrue,> thus showing that they are inspired by him who is an accuser of the brethren and a murderer of the saints of God. But if God permits tyrants to do with us as the priests and rulers did to His Son, shall we give up our faith, and go back to perdition? It is not because God does not care for us that He permits these things to be; for He declares, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” [Psalm 116:15.] “He shall deliver the needy when he crieth, and poor also, and him that hath no helper. He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy. He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence, and precious shall their blood be in his sight.” [Psalm 72:12-14.]

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 52—The Annual Feasts

PP 539.3

“Peace be within thy walls,
And prosperity within thy palaces.”
“Open to me the gates of righteousness:
I will go into them, and I will praise the Lord.”
“I will pay my vows unto the Lord
Now in the presence of all His people,
In the courts of the Lord’s house,
In the midst of thee, O Jerusalem,
Praise ye the Lord.” Psalm 122:7; 118:19; 116:18, 19.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 23, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 23, 1886, par. 20

Miriam, the sister of Moses that once led the women of Israel with timbrels, saying, “Sing unto the Lord, for He hath triumphed gloriously” [Exodus 15:21], the children of Israel for fifteen hundred years wove their wonderful experience into song. They chanted the grand Hebrew psalms with the same reverence and devotion which inspired the composer of the sacred melody. They exalted God; they brought their experience into history and elevated the marvelous works of God. The angels’ visits to the fathers and His revelations to the prophets were all brought into their songs, celebrating the majesty and power and wonderful works of Jehovah. At the sound of the signal trumpet and the music of the cymbals, the voices of praise and thanksgiving came from thousands of voices, “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord. Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem.” Psalm 122:1, 2. In these caravans marching to the holy city, not one went empty handed. Fruits from their produce in field and garden, and offerings of every kind, were borne by the worshipers. The fairest and the choicest of everything was taken to be presented as a gift to Jehovah in the sanctuary. Devotion to God was the order of all who visited the sanctuary. This should be the case with us. When these pilgrims arrived upon the surrounding hills in sight of the holy city, they looked with reverential awe down upon the living mass of people who like themselves were winding their way to the temple. As they saw the smoke of the incense ascending and heard the trumpets of the Levites heralding the break of day, the people caught the inspiration of the hour and broke forth into sacred songs. “Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of His holiness. Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north.” Psalm 48:1. “Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces.” Psalm 122:7. “Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the Lord.” Psalm 118:19. “I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all His people, in the courts of the Lord’s house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem.” Psalm 116:18, 19. “Because of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek thy good.” Psalm 122:9.