Bless the Lord, O My Soul

Psalm 103: 1-8
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: who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The LORD executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel. The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. (New King James Version)

Psalm 103 is a great song of praise to God written by King David. As I read these verses, I feel as if I’m peeking through a crack in the doorway and watching David as he excitedly talks to himself and rejoices in God’s mercy. Twice in the first two verses David reminds himself to bless the Lord then he goes on to name the reasons why. As he does, it becomes obvious that David sees God’s hand at work in every area of his life.

The king rejoices because God forgives iniquities and provides spiritual healing, and he experiences deep emotional joy and happiness as a result. David reminds himself that God heals physical diseases, He satisfies physical needs, and He strengthens the weary. God gives direction and works on behalf of those who belong to Him. Simply put, David recognizes that God meets spiritual, emotional, physical and mental needs for His children, and that causes him to break forth in a song of praise.

David’s life bears witness to the fact that God doesn’t always change your situation, but He does have all that it takes to help you through the hard times. Are you going through dark places and difficult times right now? I encourage you to read and re-read the words of David. Picture him dancing and rejoicing over the incredible thought that God can meet needs in every area of life and provides whatever it takes to get through each day. Ask God to give you that same spirit of joy as you realize His sufficiency to meet your every need. And then as David did, remind yourself to bless the Lord.

Almighty God, give me give me faith to believe that You are all sufficient. Open my eyes to see Your hand at work behind the dark clouds that at times overshadow me. Grant me Your peace and a spirit of rejoicing in all things.

By Ann Shorb
©Copyright Ann Shorb, 2006

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