We come to one of those “favorite” psalms, and I don’t want us to miss it. If you’re following our reading program, today you read Psalm 103. Here are some highlights:

A Psalm of David

Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! (Psalm 103.introduction, verse 1)

I had a pastor who liked to quote “all that is within me…” as he blessed the food at a church supper. After all, by the time he got around to praying, a lot of folks had already begun to eat!

The psalmist continues:

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. (Psalm 103.2- 5, list bulleted for clarity)

That’s a good list! And David expands on “forgives all your iniquities:”

He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father pities his children, So the LORD pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. (Psalm 103.10 -1 4, NKJV)

I love it. Not only is the LORD merciful, he “pities his children.” Why? “He remembers that we are dust.”

And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. (Genesis 2.7, NKJV)

We are dust, but the LORD rules over all. Therefore, we’re back to “Bless the LORD…”

The LORD has established His throne in heaven, And His kingdom rules over all.

• Bless the LORD, you His angels,
  • Who excel in strength,
  • who do His word,
  • Heeding the voice of His word.
• Bless the LORD, all you His hosts,
  • You ministers of His,
  • who do His pleasure.
• Bless the LORD, all His works, In all places of His dominion.

Bless the LORD, O my soul! (Psalm 103.19 – 22, NKJV)