In simple and sincere words, the author of Psalm 114 expresses his joy at God's help. In his prayer, the experience of trusting in the Creator's mercy reaches its fullness—an experience without which human life turns to darkness. It is highly significant that in precisely such a prayer of thanksgiving the psalmist grasps what is most important about God: the revelation of His mercy and righteousness. In this revelation, the human soul finds rest—that wondrous rest which nothing in the world can give it. The closing words of the psalm speak of another exceptionally important matter: the experience of trust and the revelation of mercy that bring peace to the human soul can become a step enabling a person to continue ascending the path of drawing near to God, to “walk before His face” again and again.

In simple and sincere words, the author of Psalm 114 expresses his joy at God's help. In his prayer, the experience of trusting in the Creator's mercy reaches its fullness—an experience without which human life turns to darkness. It is highly significant that in precisely such a prayer of thanksgiving the psalmist grasps what is most important about God: the revelation of His mercy and righteousness. In this revelation, the human soul finds rest—that wondrous rest which nothing in the world can give it. The closing words of the psalm speak of another exceptionally important matter: the experience of trust and the revelation of mercy that bring peace to the human soul can become a step enabling a person to continue ascending the path of drawing near to God, to “walk before His face” again and again.

The solemn song that offers praise and thanksgiving to the Lord begins with repentance, and its penitential confession concerns the condemnation of people. The words about every person being a liar are called rash, and sin against a person proves comparable to sin against God, for a rash judgment is false, and who is called the father of lies if not His adversary? Unexpectedly, we understand that the “faith in humanity” proclaimed for a time by secular humanists may be inseparable from faith in God. More than that, it is possible only on the foundation of faith in God; only in this way can hope in the human person be born — sinful, disfigured by evil, yet continuing to be the crown of Creation, continuing to bear within the image and likeness of God, and capable of setting out on the path of holiness.

What can be given to the Lord in return for all His blessings? The lines that follow about taking the cup of salvation sound as an answer to this question. When we receive God’s gifts, and above all the salvation that comes from Him, and when we turn to Him, we do not merely receive something or desire to receive something from Him. It is precisely in this way that we become able to express our gratitude to Him.

The solemn song that offers praise and thanksgiving to the Lord begins with repentance, and its penitential confession concerns the condemnation of people. The words about every person being a liar are called rash, and sin against a person proves comparable to sin against God, for a rash judgment is false, and who is called the father of lies if not His adversary? Unexpectedly, we understand that the “faith in humanity” proclaimed for a time by secular humanists may be inseparable from faith in God. More than that, it is possible only on the foundation of faith in God; only in this way can hope in the human person be born — sinful, disfigured by evil, yet continuing to be the crown of Creation, continuing to bear within the image and likeness of God, and capable of setting out on the path of holiness.

What can be given to the Lord in return for all His blessings? The lines that follow about taking the cup of salvation sound as an answer to this question. When we receive God’s gifts, and above all the salvation that comes from Him, and when we turn to Him, we do not merely receive something or desire to receive something from Him. It is precisely in this way that we become able to express our gratitude to Him.