Bless the Lord, Oh My Soul

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.

Psalms 103:2-5 (ESV)

Psalm 103 is a psalm of praise to God. And this portion reminds us to remember what God has done for us. The five things mentioned here are not an exhaustive list, but they do help us understand the magnitude of God’s benefits.

The word translated as bless comes from a root that means to kneel. We might see it as giving adoration. And it could easily be translated as praise. The psalmist is talking to himself here, telling his soul, or his whole self, to praise the Lord. Don’t forget what the Lord has done for me. Keep reminding myself of his blessings to me.

• The Lord forgives me of all my sins. He does not hold them against me.
• He cares for my physical being, restoring my health.
• He redeems me from the pit. The pit represents death. He protects my life.
• He crowns me with his love and mercy. It is poured out on me.
• And he satisfies my soul with good. He gives me all that I need.

And, because of all he has done for me, my youth is renewed like an eagle. I can soar with him to heights above.

Don’t Forget

I can be so forgetful sometimes. And the reminder of this psalm is one I need. Don’t forget what the Lord has done for me. Recount all of his blessings and praise him for them. And do it regularly. It will help to keep me focused on him.

He has forgiven, redeemed, and adopted me into his family. He walks with me through each step of my journey here and has given me an eternal future to look forward to. And his grace, mercy, and love are poured out on me abundantly.

Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!

Psalms 103:1 (ESV)