What does Psalm 118:17 mean?

In context, this is a celebration that the Lord has brought the psalmist—and Israel—through some dangerous moment. The song implies that this crisis will not end in death. Rather, it will result in opportunities to further spread the glory of God. Telling others about God's influence on us is a key part of introducing them to faith in Him (Exodus 10:1–2; Psalm 78:3–4; Mark 5:20).

No one knows how long he or she will live, but our lifespan is in the Lord's hands. While we live, we should honor the Lord and represent him well as His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20). When Jesus told Peter to feed His sheep, He predicted that Peter would die as an old man (John 21:17–18). He also told Peter that the disciple John would live as long as it was the Lord's will for him to live (John 21:21–22). The apostle Paul had the right attitude about life. He was determined to honor Christ in his body, whether by life or by death (Philippians 1:20). His testimony was: "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21).