March 19
March 19th, 2026
Read Psalm 116:1-7, 12-19
Devotion:
As an adult, I’ve come to grips with the fact I’m just not a typical guy. I like heavy metal music, pro wrestling, action movies, and those oddly satisfying videos of things being destroyed by a hydraulic press. For lack of a better phrase, I’m into “manly” stuff.
However (and Kyla will confirm this), I’m really a big softie. I pump my fist in celebration when Rocky makes it through 15 rounds with Apollo, and then bawl like a baby moments later when he and Adrian finally profess their love for one another.
Recently, I fell apart when watching a compilation of children receiving a puppies as presents. You might have seen something similar. They open a box and can’t contain their joy because a little ball of furl jumps into their arms. Several of these children collapsed into their parents’ arms in sincere gestures of thanksgiving. Now, I don’t know these children. I have no emotional attachment to them. I don’t even know their names. But, watching their reactions will get me every time. Why? Because they’re receiving something they have longed for. And their response to such a gift is one of incredible gratitude. It’s not “What do I owe you now?” It’s “How can I ever thank you enough for this?” The difference is in the posturing of their hearts.
Lent is a season where where we remember just how much we have been given to us.
It is believed that today’s psalm was written by David. We’re not sure whether the suffering to which he refers is something specific or if this is a general account of the fact that he has endured some intense hardship. Suffice it to say, he’s had a rough go of things. And he recognizes that God has heard his prayer and delivered him. I would go out on a limb and say that his response is involuntary. That is to say, he just can’t help but give an outpouring of praise and worship. He’s not asking what he needs to give in return. He’s just giving it.
You know the feeling you get when a worry has been lifted off your shoulders? A financial debt is taken care of. The doctor calls with favorable results from a biopsy.
Your boss gives you a glowing annual review. We have reason to experience this feeling every moment of our lives. We were doomed to an eternity outside of the presence of God and now we’re not. He heard the cry of humanity (much like he heard David’s cry) and the answer has given at the cross.
When we think about Lent we often focus on what we’re giving up. What food, habit, or distraction should we try to do without? But Psalm 116 is a great reminder the heart of this season isn’t about deprivation. It’s about the posturing of our hearts in regard to how we recognize the fact that God has been merciful to us. It’s about continually and in absolute humility receiving the gift of mercy that we have been (and will always be) offered.
Reflection:
Where has God recently “heard your cry”?
How has he specifically shown you mercy in moments of distress?
How can you show an outpouring of thanks right now?
Prayer:
Lord, You have heard my cry and shown me mercy. Help me remember Your goodness. Teach me to respond with gratitude, worship, and trust. Remind me that I can never fully repay what You have given me, but that You desire an outpouring of gratitude from me. May my life reflect the salvation You have given through Christ.
Amen