Psalm 103:1-5 – “Bless the Lord, O my soul,  and all that is within me,     bless his holy name!  ² Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, ³ who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your  diseases, ⁴ who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, ⁵ who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

As I read, prayed, and mused on the Word of God today, I was drawn to Psalm 103.   Most of the time, we focus on the first five verses.  They are powerful, but only part of the message of the Holy Spirit as He inspired the Psalmist.

Our day should begin and continue to be filled with Praise and Thanksgiving to God.  We should continually remind ourselves of His benefits (blessings).   One of the greatest is FORGIVENESS and HEALING.   The word “all” describes the extent of that forgiveness and healing.

We should continually rehearse in our hearts and minds the reality of what we were and His redemptive work of Grace.   We should remember God’s daily provisions of material and spiritual things that we need and why He gives them to us.   Notice verse 5 – “Who satisfies your mouth with good things, SO THAT your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”   I suggest that the satisfied mouth include what goes in it and what comes out of it.  Natural and Spiritual.

In verse 7, we are given a truth that should be a goal.  “He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel.”   We should yearn to KNOW Him, not just observe what He does.

In verse 12, we learn the totality of God’s forgiveness.  “As far as the East is from the West, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” Wholly and forever gone.   A beautiful explanation is found in verse 14, “For He knows whereof we are made; He remembers that we are dust (mortal).”  In verse 17, the incredible long-suffering patience of God is revealed.  It is from everlasting to everlasting.

God’s immeasurable love, mercy, grace, patience, and provision are ample reasons to BLESS HIM at all times.   This God, the Creator of all things, loves us that much.   How dare we not love Him with our whole being?   How dare we insult the love and mercy of God with any measure of ingratitude?

“For God so loved the world (mankind included) that He gave His only begotten Son, SO THAT whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

Let us remind ourselves daily, and even hourly, of His benefits (blessings).   Do not let the devil or anyone steal your joy and dampen your gratitude!  I urge you to read and meditate on Psalm 103.  It can give you a new level of understanding and confidence that will be needed for the remainder of the year 2025.

Lord, help us to appreciate Who You are and become Who You say we are!