Psalm 116 (The Message)

I love God because he listened to me, listened as I begged for mercy.
   He listened so intently
      as I laid out my case before him. 

Death stared me in the face,
      hell was hard on my heels.
   Up against it, I didn’t know which way to turn;
      then I called out to God for help:
   “Please, God!” I cried out.
      “Save my life!” 

God is gracious—it is he who makes things right,
      our most compassionate God.
   God takes the side of the helpless;
      when I was at the end of my rope, he saved me. 

I said to myself, “Relax and rest.
      God has showered you with blessings.
      Soul, you’ve been rescued from death;
      Eye, you’ve been rescued from tears;
      And you, Foot, were kept from stumbling.” 

 I’m striding in the presence of God,
      alive in the land of the living!
   I stayed faithful, though bedeviled,
      and despite a ton of bad luck,
   Despite giving up on the human race,
      saying, “They’re all liars and cheats.”

What can I give back to God
      for the blessings he’s poured out on me?
   I’ll lift high the cup of salvation—a toast to God!
      I’ll pray in the name of God; 

I’ll complete what I promised God I’d do,
      and I’ll do it together with his people.
   When they arrive at the gates of death,
      God welcomes those who love him.
   Oh, God, here I am, your servant,
      your faithful servant: set me free for your service! 

I’m ready to offer the thanksgiving sacrifice
      and pray in the name of God.
   I’ll complete what I promised God I’d do,
      and I’ll do it in company with his people,
   In the place of worship, in God’s house,
      in Jerusalem, God’s city.
   Hallelujah!

May you all find peace, relaxation, and the promise of hope on this holiday. God Bless and Happy Thanksgiving!

~The Masters’ Family