Day 139 Because He Listens: Responding with Gratitude

“Because He Listens: Responding with Gratitude”

by Torrie Slaughter

“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.”

Have you ever been in a moment where all you had left was a whisper—maybe even a groan? That space where language fails, but your soul is screaming? That’s where Psalm 116 meets us today. It's not a lofty prayer or polished praise—it’s the sound of someone who's been heard by the Almighty.

The psalmist doesn’t start with thanksgiving or a list of blessings. No—he starts with love. Why? Because God listened. Because He leaned in. And that’s enough to birth lifelong devotion.

💬 A Cry for Mercy

There are seasons where strength runs out. The weight of life crushes, and we don’t have a five-step plan—we just have a desperate, “Lord, have mercy.” The psalmist says, “The cords of death entangled me… I was overcome by distress and sorrow.” But what happens next is our hope: “Then I called on the name of the Lord.”

Friend, your cry is not wasted. Heaven hears you. God is not indifferent—He draws near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), and His deliverance often meets us at rock bottom.

🙌 Deliverance Leads to Devotion

And when God pulls us out? Oh, what a response! The psalmist doesn’t just say thank you—he acts. “I will lift up the cup of salvation… I will fulfill my vows to the Lord.”

When God rescues you, don’t stay silent. Your testimony might be the breakthrough someone else needs. So go ahead—raise your cup. Tell your story. Declare your dependence.

💡 A Life of Service

“I am Your servant, Lord… You have freed me from my chains.” (v. 16)
There it is. Freedom wasn’t the finish line—it was the starting point. We’re set free so we can serve, love, and walk out this grace with boldness. David’s story echoes this truth in 1 Samuel—he could have taken revenge on Saul, but he chose restraint. Why? Because righteousness responds differently.

📖 Reflection Question:

When was the last time you paused and thanked God—not just for what He gave you, but for hearing you? What vow can you fulfill today that reminds your heart: I belong to the Lord?

🙏 Closing Prayer:

Gracious Lord, thank You for turning Your ear toward me. You’ve delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from stumbling. Help me respond in love, live in gratitude, and serve You all the days of my life. Amen.