An ancient writer asked this question: What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me?

His answer? Worship, commitment, and faithfulness.

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

It’s popular to speak of throwing off the shackles of whatever keeps us down. For many, religion forms those chains, and empty religiosity indeed ties one up in knots. But here the writer keeps his pen centered on the Lord, not the business of religion or those who manipulate religion for their own gain.

When we focus on the Lord, we discern his goodness with slowly emerging clarity. Indeed, committing to God and his words frees us in ways rejecting him never will.

Turn to the Lord and let the chains slip away.

Psalm 116 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Anastase Maragos