Psalms 66:13-20 - Homilies By C. Short

Vows fulfilled and experiences related.

I. Vows FULFILLED . ( Psalms 66:13-15 .)

1 . When we are in trouble we make solemn vows of amendment and service . As the psalmist had done in his distress.

2 . The fulfilment of our religious vows will often call for great sacrifices . Not burnt offerings from us, but the more costly sacrifices of the heart and spirit. "The sacrifices of God are a broken heart and a contrite spirit."

II. EXPERIENCES RELATED . ( Psalms 66:16-20 .) He proclaims what God had done for him in answer to his praises and prayers.

1 . It is only those who fear God that have any sympathy with spiritual experience . Only these would care to listen.

2 . Only those who are conscious of integrity of heart expect any answer to prayer . ( Psalms 66:18 ; Job 27:8 , Job 27:9 .)

3 . God will assuredly answer and bless those who call upon him in sincerity and in truth . The psalmist knew from experience that God had heard him and manifested his loving kindness towards him. His faith in God had the warrant of his experience, and was not an unfulfilled expectation.—S.