Psalms 103: 1-2
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,”
Psalms 103: 1-2 ESV
Don’t you love this list? Verse two says, “Bless the Lord, oh my soul.” He’s talking to himself. “And forget not all His benefits.” And then he just starts to list them out. God forgives our iniquity. That’s a benefit. All your sins forgiven by God through faith in Jesus. What a benefit. Who heals all your diseases. As you and I face disease and sickness in this world, to know that because of our God, those diseases, those sicknesses will not have the last word in our lives. He will ultimately heal us of all diseases. That’s a benefit.
Who redeems your life from the pit? He redeems. God makes you new. He takes our shame and he turns it into honor. The Lord takes our brokenness and he makes us beautiful. He redeems our lives from the pit. That’s a benefit. He crowns us with steadfast love and mercy. What a benefit that is. God crowning you and me as His children, crowned with steadfast love and mercy. That’s a benefit. He satisfies us with good so that our youth is renewed like the Eagles. He satisfies us with His goodness. That’s a benefit. It just keeps going on and on.
These verses call upon us to bless the Lord with our whole being and never to forget all the multiplied benefits of His grace and goodness that are poured down on us in such abundance, day by day. Manifold are His mercies, which are new every morning and how pleasing it is to the Father to hear the reverent praise and grateful worship that comes from a heart that truly loves Him.
This psalm of David comes from a heart that is overflowing with thanksgiving for all that God had done. Today we live in a world that is very busy. It is easy to fill every moment with something. We almost seem to be afraid of being still and reflective. But it is good to periodically get away from all of the distractions that surround us.
To be still and reflect on our lives and on God. What has God done in your life? In your family? The church you are a part of? Within the world around you? Rather than take for granted all that God has done, take the time to join with David in praising the Lord for His blessings in your life. And learn to do this, not just occasionally. Make it a part of your daily life to praise God for His blessings. Learn to live a life of praise to God. Remind yourself of the times when God has helped you out. Remind yourself of how awesome it is to have your sins forgiven and to live in freedom knowing that He’s not holding your past against you. Remind yourself of how great it is to serve Him.
As you begin to remind yourself of all the great things God has done for you, you’ll find that your motivation to praise Him grows. Let us bless the Lord. Let us bless our heavenly Father with every fiber of our being. Let us bless our heavenly King and glorious Savior with all that is within us. Let us never forget all His benefits for He has redeemed our life from the pit. crowned us with loving-kindness and He satisfies our years with good things, and renews our youth like the eagle.
I read this and I start to think of all the benefits in my life because of the goodness of God. And it’s really good for me to pause and remember, not forget all those benefits. He is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love, bless the LORD, oh my soul, and forget not all His benefits!!!
Father, thank You for this day and for Your many benefits, for Your never-ending grace and unconditional love. Lord open the floodgates of heaven and pour out Your abundant blessings upon my friends and family today. May we sing of Your praise with our whole being, for You alone are worthy. Lord, we realize You are in control of all things and You are our constant protector and our guide. We praise You for the wisdom You give and ask for more. Lord, we thank You for the strength You provide in times of trials. Lord, use us to help others serve You and live for You today. Be a blessing.
Father, we love You. Amen !
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