Psalms 118:17
I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.
Psalms 118:17
“I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.” This verse marks a pivot from danger to witness. The psalmist asserts survival not as mere avoidance of death but as an opportunity for proclaiming God’s deeds. In historical context, many psalms celebrate deliverance that enables public testimony. The line resonates with biblical motifs of calling life into service for God’s purposes after rescue, turning personal survival into collective proclamation.
The verse underlines vocation: life given by God becomes a platform for declaring God’s works. It emphasizes mission—living as a witness. Theologically, it affirms God’s purposes in human survival and the responsibility to testify to God’s salvation. It also hints at eschatological hope: life as a gift to fulfill divine ends.
If you’ve endured hardship, let your recovery become a platform to share what God has done. Practical steps: write or tell a testimony about how God sustained you; use your restored strength to serve others—mentoring, volunteering, or supporting someone in crisis. Let your life declare the works of the Lord in everyday contexts: at work, in family, or in church. This verse invites you to channel gratitude into courageous witness.
Cross-References: Psalm 22:31; Isaiah 38:3; 1 Chronicles 16:9; Acts 4:20; 2 Corinthians 4:7-12