Big Picture: A summary of Psalm 116 is well-captured by its opening two verses. The Psalmist loves the Lord and is now committed to lifelong worship of the Lord because God heard and answered his cry for mercy (release from the bonds of death).

Question 1: How can we be freed from death? (3-9)
Answer: Call on the name of the Lord for mercy. (3-6)

a. Doing so requires a right view of fallen humanity. (3-4)
b. Doing so requires a right view of God: Yahweh. (5-6)
c. Doing so, brings rest to our restless souls. (7-9)

Question 2: What must we do now that we are freed from death? (10-19)
Answers:

a. Continue to trust only in the Lord (10-11)
b. Continue to call on the Lord with his people. (13-14, 17-19)
c. Continue to serve the Lord, as one who was bought with a great price. (15-16)