Meditating on Psalm 103 (part 2)

Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits, 

– Psalm 103:2 ESV

Last week we talked about blessing the LORD with all that is within us (from Psalm 103:1). This week we are continuing our walk through the Psalm as David reminds us to bless the LORD and not forget about all of the benefits of worshiping the living God.

A CNN report from May 2016 concluded that going to church could help you live longer (up to 33% lower risk of dying). The research also concluded that people who are committed to church have a lower risk of depression and are generally more optimistic.

Living a longer, happier life is certainly sounds beneficial to me, but these are not necessarily the benefits that David is talking about in Psalm 103.

So what are the benefits that we should not forget about as we bless the LORD? Here are a few that David lists in the verses that follow the initial statement:

• He forgives all of our iniquities and heals all of our diseases (Psalm 103:3).
• He redeems our lives from the pit and crowns us with steadfast love and mercy (Psalm 103:4).
• He satisfies us with good so that our youth is renewed like the eagles (Psalm 103:5).

This is good news!

Some of this good news is for right here and now, and some of this good news will not be fully realized until we enter into heaven to be with Jesus forever. Either way, there are significant benefits associated with blessing the LORD with all that is within us, so let’s bless Him with our lives today!

APPLICATION: Take a moment to think through the many personal benefits that you have experienced as a direct result of putting your faith in Jesus. Write them down, and verbally (out loud, with words) speak thanks to God for the goodness that He has shown you.