“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:” Psalm 103:1-2
Do you ever talk to yourself? I live alone, and some days if I did not talk to myself, I would have nobody to talk to. Perhaps you are looking for something, and there is no one else around to help you find it, so you ask yourself, “Now where did I have that last?” Sometimes just speaking that out loud, helps you remember, and you can go right to the place where what you are searching for is.
When I was reading this Psalm today, I could just picture David going through a trial of some kind and beginning to feel a bit sorry for himself. Instead of throwing a pity party, he gives himself a good talking to. “Soul, instead of thinking of how you have been treated by someone else, it is time to bless the Lord for all that He has done for you.” He begins to remind himself of all the benefits that the Lord has given him.
Verse 3 – He has forgiven all my iniquities and healed all my diseases.
Verse 4 – He has redeemed my life from corruption. He beautifies, dignifies, and crowns us with loving kindness and tender mercies.
Verse 5 – He has made my youth like an eagle’s, made me strong, overcoming, soaring.
Verse 6 – He executes righteousness and judgment, not to me only, but to all that are oppressed.
Verse 8 – He is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy and loving-kindness.
Verse 9 – He does not hold a grudge.
Verse 10 – He has not dealt with us after our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
I could go on with the rest of the Psalm, for each verse shows us some benefit that David felt the Lord had provided for him. I am sure that we all can relate to the blessing he mentions. So, take some time to read this Psalm for yourself today. Like David, give yourself some admonition to look at what the Lord has done and take time to bless Him and worship Him in thankfulness today.
Prayer: Lord, so many times we get caught up with all that is happening to us and we forget to take time to thank you for all the benefits that you have provided us. May we realize anew how much you have done for us and give you praise and honour today.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
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