“Bless the Lord, O my soul and all that is within me bless his name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Ps. 103: 1-2).
Psalm 103 was one of the Psalms written in the time of David, though it was not included in the collections. It was at the time of captivities that the people felt the need for this Psalm. Here an individual’s thanksgiving to God before the congregation develops into his leading them in worship. The Psalmist draws three concentric circles of Praise, Personal, communal and Universal (Cf. Ps. 22: 22-31).
On the personal experience for which he praises God, he urged himself to thank God for five blessings:
- God forgives his sins
- For healing all his diseases
- Saving him from destruction,
- Showing him His loving kindness and tender mercies
- For satisfying him with good things that his youth is renewed like the eagle’s
For these benefits, the Psalmist agreed, he must not ignore and take them for granted. He therefore, burst into praise to God, because he recognized these God’s lavish gifts, giving for the total enrichment of his life.
On the communal level, the Psalmist sees the divine grace to be extended to the entire community as his own. Israel has often been oppressed by their enemies due to their constant sin and rebellion against God. Yet God has always shown Himself to them as a merciful God, redeeming and delivering them from the hands of all that hate them. Grace, therefore, sums up God’s dealing with them. He is slow to anger, and abounding in love. His grace exceeds the largest dimensions known to man (cf. Eph. 3: 18f). He is kind and compassionate.
The Hymn writer has this to say:
Father-like. he tends and spares us,
well our feeble frame he knows,
in his hands he gently bears us
rescue us from all our foes
Alleluya! Alleluya!
widely as His mercy flows. (AMNS 192)
Brethren, God has been gracious to us, even to you as an individual, and as families. What will you give to this God? Will you remember all His benefits, or will you forget? Note that the Psalmist urged himself not to forget. He therefore, blessed His God. What about you?
Remain blessed as you ponder over this question.
Wishing you a rewarding harvest thanksgiving!