“Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
The Lord works righteousness
and justice for all who are oppressed.
He made known his ways to Moses,
his acts to the people of Israel.
The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
He will not always chide,
nor will he keep his anger forever.
He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:1-12
The psalmist rouses his soul in praise, continually overwhelmed with the reality of God’s forgiveness. In what begins like a comprehensive list of benefits bestowed by his Lord, his soul cannot get over the fact that this great and holy God has forgiven all his sins. Indeed that gift opened the way for David to receive so much more- healing, redemption, love, mercy, vitality, goodness, guidance- but every blessing is wrapped in forgiveness.
Forgiveness is the first benefit and blessing in a Christian’s life that makes the way for every other. It is the key to a grateful heart, the door to vast spiritual riches, and gives redeemed sight that enables us to see with wonder the beauties of God. If we never forget the debt we incurred, and paid in full by our Savior, we will marvel forever! (Psalm 32:1-2)
Is my prayer time self-centered? Does my litany of thanksgiving begin with myself and charms directed my way, or by blessing the Giver of every good and perfect gift? Have the glitter and grind of life distracted me from daily remembering who I was before Christ saved me, and what He sacrificed for my sake? Would I humbly bow at the start of every day, every prayer, and praise the One whose death rent the veil that I might approach His holy sanctuary? Who covered me in His righteousness and welcomes me to His throne? (Mark 15:37-39; 2 Corinthians 9:15; Hebrews 10:19-22; James 1:17)
Lest I forget God’s gift of forgiveness, will I take time to search my heart and confess known sin, then thank Him for His cleansing grace? Acknowledging this starts the flow of gratitude for all attending gifts He bountifully gives. It also inspires us to pay it forward to others. (Psalm 139:23-24)
Since I have received steadfast love and grace, and am the beneficiary of God’s patience and long-suffering, how and to whom will I extend the same? An unforgiving heart is one that has not been softened and moved by the Lord’s mercy. When I realize the gravity of my sin, the weight of my debt, and the cost to my Savior to forgive me, I will be able, by act of will, with God’s help, to forgive. (Ephesians 4:32)
Lord, may I daily bless Your name for Your gracious forgiveness, and love others as You do me. (John 13:34-35)
As the rain and snow 