“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 forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:1-5 KJV)
What a day to bless the Lord! Despite the circumstances, bless the Lord. Despite the battles, bless the Lord. Despite anything and everything (Romans 8:38-39), bless the Lord! Bless the Lord at all times, in all places, for all things! O my soul, with all that is in me, bless his holy name!
It is so easy to forget the benefits of being the Lord’s disciple. We get so busy with our lives and deeply embroiled in our circumstances forgetting that God blesses us despite ourselves or our circumstances. We suddenly discover, again, that we need reminding.
He forgives all our sins. Ours is not a once-and-for-all forgiveness event. Christ died once-and-for-all “having obtained eternal redemption for us” (Hebrews 9:12 & 28), but our need for forgiveness is continuous. It is a daily benefit.
He heals all our diseases. It is a mystery to me why ordinary Christians find it so hard to accept and apply this benefit. Referring to the coming Messiah, Isaiah prophesied “with his stripes we are healed” (Isa. 53:5). Speaking of the Crucified Christ, Peter asserted that “by (his) stripes ye were healed” (1Pe 2:24).
If Christ ever healed diseased bodies, then he still does. This is not a declaration of the errant health and wealth theology. Rather, it is a reminder that healing is a daily benefit that is available to us in Christ.
He redeems us from destruction. He surrounds us with love and mercy. He satisfies us with both spiritual and physical blessings. He renews our spirit from sorrow to joy; from heaviness to praise; from faith to faith and glory to glory. In the spiritual sense, like eagles, we put off the old and soar in the new. Consider these benefits carefully. Let us remind ourselves of them and never forget any of them.
Dear Father, thank you for reminding us of your benefits. Empower us with faith and fortitude to embrace and apply all your benefits to our lives. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous and remember Christ’s benefits,