I shall not die but live

I shall not die, but live, And declare the works of the LORD (Psalm 118:17, KJV)

What a proclamation of faith by the Psalmist! He declares that he will not die, but live to declare the works of the LORD. If you read the verses preceding verse 17, you realize he was reflecting on the distresses he had faced and how God had rescued him in love.

The Psalmist dealt with circumstances, including foes and adversaries that sought his life. He faced situations that were a threat to his very existence. His conditions might not be the same as ours, but many of us are facing challenges today of varying severity. Some threaten our joy, health, family, ministry, safety, and prosperity. Others threaten our very life. It may not be surprising to me that there is someone reading this devotional who might be dealing with something that is threatening his or her very life.

Like the Psalmist, in the same spirit of faith, declare that “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.” This is not positive thinking or having an optimistic worldview. It is putting our trust and faith in God who is able to rescue us from everything that is threatening our life. When He brings you through that situation, you will live to tell the story. You will live to declare the works of the LORD in your generation and those to come!

What does it mean to “clear the works of the LORD”? Does God take delight to see us talk to others about what He has done for us?

The LORD wants us to put your trust in Him in the midst of the difficult circumstances that might be a threat to our present, future, and our very life. Have the same spirit of faith as the Psalmist. Have that attitude. Speak forth. Do not keep your mouth shut. Declare that “ I shall not die but live to declare the works of the LORD.”

Thank the Lord for being our confidence.