“BLESS THE LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives ALL YOUR INIQUITIES (‛âvôn: the whole area of sin), Who heals ALL YOUR DISEASES, Who REDEEMS (gâ’al: delivers us from all harm) 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. THE LORD EXECUTES RIGHTEOUSNESS And JUSTICE for all who are oppressed. THE LORD is MERCIFUL and GRACIOUS, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. 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 (chêsêd: goodness, kindness) toward those who fear Him; As far as the east is from the west, so far has He REMOVED OUR TRANSGRESSIONS from us.” (Psalms 103:2-12)
The 103rd psalm is a song of praise and worship to God for His MERCY AND BLESSINGS. It calls upon the soul and the whole being to BLESS THE LORD and TO REMEMBER HIS BENEFITS, such as forgiveness, healing, deliverance, love, satisfaction, and renewal. It also invites all believers to JOIN IN THE PRAISE OF THE LORD.
“He knows what we are made of. He remembers that WE ARE DUST.” (Psalms 103:14) “…the LORD GOD FORMED A MAN. He made him out of the DUST of the ground…” (Genesis 2:7)
This psalm also celebrates God’s character and attributes, such as His mercy, grace, slowness to anger, steadfast love, compassion, and righteousness. It contrasts God’s eternal and faithful love with human frailty and sinfulness. It declares that God has established His throne in the heavens and HIS KINGDOM RULES OVER ALL.
“Remember the former things of old, For I AM GOD, and THERE IS NO OTHER; I AM GOD, and THERE IS NONE LIKE ME, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I WILL DO ALL MY PLEASURE,’” (Isaiah 46:9-10) Our awesome God says, “I will be YOUR FATHER, and you will be my SONS and DAUGHTERS, says the LORD ALMIGHTY.” (2 Corinthians 6:18)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham