From God comes benefits.
One of my favorite scripture passages to read when I am discouraged or I don’t feel like praising God because my focus is inward, is Psalm 103. It starts with, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, praise His name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits (Psalm 103:1-2).”
This whole Psalm is a prayer praising God. Most of our prayers are petitions filled with requests, but this one is not. Technically, a Psalm is a song, so you might consider the Psalms a hymn book the Hebrews used to sing. In a way, this Psalm could be a version of more modern classics encouraging us to count our blessings! Benefit is just another word for blessing.
There is none like our God who forgives our sins, heals our diseases, redeems our lives, crowns us with loving kindness, extends His tender mercies to us, satisfies us with good things, and renews our youth like an eagle’s (Psalm 103:3-5). God is the great Physician who heals our physical and spiritual bodies. He is our Redeemer who delivers us from the life’s pitfalls. He is the giver of every good and perfect gift. Even as we grow older, He lifts us up. A relationship with the living God gives our lives purpose and meaning no matter what age we are.
God is righteous, just, merciful, and gracious (Psalm 103:6-8). He does not punish us according to our sins, but rather when we repent and turn to Him, He removes our transgressions far, far away (Psalm 103:10-12). Most of us live under the shadow of our past. Just knowing God has forgiven us frees us from guilt and depression.
God is our loving Father and knows our frailties (Psalm 103:13-16). His mercy is from everlasting to everlasting for those who acknowledge His greatness and strive to follow Him (Psalm 103:17-18). No one understands us like God does. And although He reaches down to meet us, He is the Ruler over all on earth and in heaven (Psalm 103:19). His power and majesty know no bounds. Even the angels worship Him and heed His word (Psalm 103:20).
Reading Psalm 103 helps me restore an attitude of gratitude which encourages me to do less complaining and more remaining in a spirit of thankfulness. I’ve heard it said that we must think before we can thank. Thinking about God’s greatness and His blessings is what Psalm 103 is all about. After reading it, I’m always reminded of benefits that come from a relationship with our magnificent, living God who loves me more than I could ever imagine.
“Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God…”
~James 1:17 (NLT)
