Psalm 103 - 5.14.25

Scripture

Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits (Psalms 103:2)

Observation

Bible scholars believe that David penned psalm 103 in his later years. This is a beautiful psalm that reminds us to not forget all the benefits that God has given us. The Psalm lists down some of the things we need to remember to be thankful for. 

He forgives all our sins and heals all our diseases (v 3). Let us not forget that it cost God everything to forgive our sins - the very last drop of Jesus’ blood. We were bought at a price (1 Cor 6:20). Through his death, he finished the work that is needed to heal us. He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities, the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and and by his wounds we are healed (Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:24). Thank you Lord for forgiving us and healing us.

He redeems our life from destruction, and crowns us with lovingkindness and tender mercies. (v 4). How many times has he picked us up from the pit? How many times has he crowned us with his mercy. Thank you Lord for redeeming our life from destruction.

He satisfies our mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's (v 5). All you ladies and gentlemen who look younger and stronger than your biological age, thank Him because He is renewing your youth like the eagle's! Thank you Lord for your strength and for the breath in our nostrils.

The Lord is merciful, kind and patient, and his love never fails. He does not deal with us according to our sins, and he doesn't punish us as our sins deserve (verse 8-10). Thank you Lord for your mercies which we do not deserve.

The phrase "East is East and West is West, and never the twain shall meet" is a famous line from Rudyard Kipling from his poem written in 1889. The Lord has done that for us literally. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our sins from us (v 11-12). Thank you Lord, because you have separated our sins from us just as the east is separated from the west.

Application

The scripture says “forget not all his benefits”. The scripture reminds us “not to forget” because we are prone to forget what the Lord has done for us. Let us remember the ways He has led us, the miracles He has done in our life, the doors He has opened for us and his mercies everyday. Let us make it a point to count our blessings and give him praise and thanks. Let us be intentional in thanking and praising God.

As the famous hymn goes:

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

Count your blessings, see what God has done

Count your blessings, name them one by one

And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Prayer

Dear Father, thank you for everything you have given me. Thank you for my life, my health, my family, my job, my finances and every blessing that you have given me. Everything I have comes from you, and I have nothing that I have not received from you (1 Cor 4:7). Forgive me for the times I have forgotten your benefits, and have complained. Help me to be thankful and to offer the sacrifice of praise through my lips (Heb 13:15). In Jesus’s name. Amen.

- Asha Chacko George