TEXT:
‘Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits’ – Psalm 103:2
THOUGHT:
In Part 1, we studied three of the benefits King David reminded himself to thank God for:
God had forgiven him, so he was able to forgive those who sinned against him – ‘He forgives your sins—every one’ – v3 MSG.
God had provided healing, whatever the cause of the sickness or disease – ‘He heals your diseases—every one’ – v3 MSG.
God would protect him from danger, both seen and unknown – ‘He saves my life from going down into the grave’ – v4 NIRV
There is no shame for anyone living on God’s benefits. In fact it is the best thing anyone can do as we will see from the last two benefits.
- He was the recipient of God’s lovingkindness and tender mercies – ‘Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies’ v4
In other psalms David wrote, ‘You crown the year with your goodness’ – Psalm 65:11 and, ‘To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night’ – Psalm 92:2.
We often use the phrase, “And to crown it all” in a negative way when talking about a hard time we have been going through. Something else happened to make a tough time even harder, like the straw that broke the camel’s back!
This is not the context David used. He rejoiced that although the first three benefits were more than enough, God wanted to bless him in an even greater way. I am saddened when a Christian’s concept of God is one of Him looking down on them trying to find fault so He can punish. Nothing could be further from the truth. Paul reminded the Ephesian Church of a God who is rich in mercy, not just because they needed it, but because of His great love with which He loved them (See Ephesian 2:4).
If anyone had a reason to doubt God’s lovingkindness it was Paul. Formerly known as Saul of Tarsus, he had relentlessly persecuted Christians and could have lived in fear of divine retribution. Yet after his conversion on the Damascus road, he wrote, ‘Who loved me and gave Himself for me’ – Galatians 2:20.
David also sunk low morally but found repentance turned God’s judgment into mercy and loving-kindness. Little wonder he rejoiced daily over being crowned with love and favour. Surely a great way for anyone to start their day!
- God would help ensure that what he ate physically and spiritually would benefit him – ‘Who satisfies your mouth with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s’ v5
It is good to say grace and thank God that we have food to eat. Just as the natural body needs food so does our spirit. ‘Desire the pure milk of the word that you may grow’ – 1 Peter 2:2. Starting your day with God’s Word, the Bible is so beneficial. Reading it and then using the promises in prayer and praise is a great way to revitalise our whole being.
Someone once said, “It is not what you eat but what is eating you that is the problem!” Do you find it difficult to enjoy a good meal because you do not have peace on the inside or are holding unforgiveness? God can help you release the past so that you feel like soaring, just like an eagle!
‘What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits to me?’ – Psalm 116:12. The best compliment you can give God is to benefit from all of His benefits. After all He had you in mind when He provided them. Do not leave them unclaimed, make them yours today and every day.
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