“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” Psalm 103:2
David was talking to himself as he started this psalm…telling himself to praise the Lord. Do you ever have to do that? Praise should just flow naturally, freely and spontaneously all the time. But, due to our sinful nature, human weakness and other factors, that’s not always how it is with us. Scripture equips us for that. Follow David’s example and stir yourself up to praise the Lord. Here, he says, “Soul, praise God and don’t forget all His benefits to you.”
Maybe your heart is spiritually cold and dull to the point that you just don’t see how heart-felt praise is possible for you right now. You may be carrying a heavy burden of affliction that makes praise seem far away. You may have a guilty conscience that is an impediment to your praise. Follow David’s example and remember wave after wave of God’s grace and mercy that has touched your soul. The psalm goes on to specify many of these benefits. The first is the forgiveness of sins. So, if it is sin you are hanging on to you and not repenting of…run to that benefit. Confess your sins to the Lord, who freely and generously forgives, cleanses the conscience and helps you to walk in righteousness.
The psalm goes on to celebrate the mercy of God, His judgment of the oppressed, His generous love, His sovereign power, and much more. Think of the many benefits of God in your life. Think of past mercies and present provisions. Think of spiritual and natural blessings. The reality is we are prone to forget! Remember and praise!
