"AS LONG AS I LIVE" Psalm 116:1-2 I. Introduction. A. Putting into life what one desires is a lifetime process. B. A misunderstanding of what one needs in life(often "wants" instead of "needs"). C. There are always people who want to get something from life without putting forth any effort to obtain such. D. The Psalmist wanted to do God's will so long as he lives: Psalm 116:1-2. II. Body. A. The Psalmist would call upon the Lord as long as he lived: v. 2. 1. There are many who feel that God does not hear them. a. In times of peril, sorrow, and disaster. b. There are others who believe God hears them, but he does not. c. The Psalmist thought God did not hear him: he was mistaken. d. God does listen to the faithful: in every age. 2. The faithful can address God: as long as live. a. Not just in times of extreme need: but always. b. Realizes the nearness and interest God has in His people. c. Knew that God listened to the faithful. B. This demonstrates that the faithful can call upon him in times of "trouble and sorrow.": v. 3-4. 1. Often the only one that will listen with understanding. 2. The Psalmist felt comfortable calling on the Lord when in peril because he prayed when things were pleasant. 3. Example: Paul. C. "As long as I live" for the Lord's cause: the Lord will be gracious and merciful: v. 5-6. 1. He was among the "simple": opposite of "high and mighty." 2. One must be willing to accept the Lord's help before it can be received: God may offer--man must respond. 3. Brought low: the Lord lifted him up. D. "As long as I live" the Lord will take care of me: v. 7-8. 1. Apparently experienced a brush with death(use David). 2. He told himself to relax and be calm: v. 7. 3. God took away that sorrow: lifted him up when falling. 4. The Lord cared for Noah; Moses; David; Ezekiel; Paul. 5. His provisions today will care for one spiritually. E. "As long as I live" I will walk before Jehovah: v. 9-11. 1. Realized that need after a brush with death. 2. He would "walk" and he would "speak." 3. But--as long as he lived--he would make mistakes. a. "I said in my haste": common fault of mankind. b. "All men are liars": Does seem that way--doesn't it? c. Consider: Titus 1:12. d. Even Cretians listened to gospel: Acts 2:11. F. "As long as I live" one should: 1. Remember what God has done for him: v. 12. 2. "Call upon the name of Jehovah": v. 13. 3. "Pay vows...to Jehovah": v. 14. 4. Remember that God considers the death of the righteous to be "precious": v. 15. 5. Keep in mind that one is a "servant": 16. 6. "Offer...sacrifice of thanksgiving" to God: v. 17. 7. Give service to God in His "courts": v. 18-19. III. Conclusion. A. The Psalmist realized service to God involved a lifetime. B. From the moment one obeys gospel(young or old), a life of service and dependence should follow--"as long as I live."-jy