I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the lord in the land of the living

      Psalm 118:17 declares, "I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord." This verse is a powerful proclamation of faith, resilience, and divine purpose. It is a statement of victory over adversity, a refusal to be overcome by trials, and a commitment to testify about God's goodness.

Understanding Psalm 118:17

      Psalm 118 is often referred to as a psalm of thanksgiving. It is believed to have been written after a time of great distress, possibly by King David or another psalmist who had experienced God's deliverance. Verse 17 stands out as a bold affirmation of life and purpose. The psalmist, having faced near-death situations, declares that he will not be defeated but will continue to live and proclaim the Lord’s works.

      This verse holds deep meaning for believers, as it reflects the triumph of faith over fear, life over death, and testimony over silence. It is a reminder that God preserves His people for a purpose, and that purpose includes testifying about His goodness.

The Power of Declaration

      Words carry immense power. Throughout Scripture, we see the significance of speaking life-giving words. Proverbs 18:21 states, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." When we declare Psalm 118:17, we align our speech with God’s promises and choose life over despair.

      Declaring this verse is not merely wishful thinking; it is an act of faith. It is a way of rejecting fear, sickness, oppression, and every force that threatens to silence God’s work in our lives. It acknowledges that life is not just about survival but about fulfilling God's purpose.

Bible Examples of Overcoming Death and Declaring God’s Works

1. King Hezekiah (Isaiah 38:1-6) – When Hezekiah was told he would die from his illness, he turned to God in prayer. God extended his life by 15 years. Hezekiah's response was not just to rejoice in his healing but to testify about God's mercy.

2. The Apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 1:8-10) – Paul faced numerous life-threatening situations, including shipwrecks and persecution. Yet he declared that God had delivered him and would continue to do so. His life was dedicated to proclaiming the works of the Lord.

3. Lazarus (John 11:1-44) – When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, it was not just for Lazarus’s benefit, but so that God's power would be revealed. His resurrection became a testimony that led many to believe in Christ.

Applying Psalm 118:17 in Our Lives

1. Overcoming Fear and Despair – Whether facing illness, financial struggles, emotional distress, or spiritual battles, we can declare this verse as a statement of faith. Instead of giving in to despair, we can trust in God’s sustaining power.

2. Proclaiming God’s Goodness – Living is not just about existing but about declaring the works of the Lord. Every testimony, every answered prayer, and every deliverance is an opportunity to glorify God and encourage others.

3. Spiritual Warfare – When faced with attacks from the enemy, speaking Psalm 118:17 reinforces our trust in God’s protection. The enemy seeks to silence believers, but we have the power to resist through faith-filled declarations.

      Psalm 118:17 is a declaration of life, faith, and purpose. It reminds us that no matter the challenges we face, God’s will is for us to live and testify of His goodness. As believers, we are not just called to survive but to thrive and proclaim the mighty works of the Lord.

      By declaring this verse daily, we affirm God’s promises over our lives and refuse to be silenced. It is a verse of hope, reminding us that we serve a God who delivers, sustains, and empowers us to live for His glory.