The Psalmist declares that the vows (a solemn promise to perform an act, carry out an activity, or behave in a given way) of the Lord upon his life are binding (creating a legal or moral obligation to do something, with no possibility of withdrawal or avoidance). He confesses that the requirements and ways of the Lord are the only way to which he must adhere, and follow; and that the answer is giving thanks to the Lord in all things, even as a sacrifice of praise. Psalm 118: 27 + 19 – 20: says, “The Lord is God, and He has (shown and) given us Light (He has illuminated us with grace, freedom, and joy); Bind the festival sacrifices (of joy and praise) with cords to the horns of the Altar. Open to me the gates of righteousness; I shall enter through them. “I shall give thanks to the Lord.” This is the Gate of the Lord; the righteous will enter through it.” We know by these verses that there is no other way to the Lord but through the gates of righteousness, which is to praise and give thanks to His Name. As a young mom I tried desperately to make a pie crust to no avail, until I mentioned it to a wonderful lady who gave me the proper steps to a no-fail way of doing it. I have enjoyed the pleasure of phenomenal success in baking pies (which I rarely do) ever since, because I applied what she had first learned…
