Psalm 103:1-4, 8, 10, 17 (click to view Scripture below)
The Psalm you are reading today is a clear-cut declaration by David that he has decided to offer to God his wholehearted thanks. He gets specific when he lists some of the many things the Lord has provided including the fact that the Lord
…forgives us completely, which brings a total transformation of our lives. (3a)
…heals us with a power over all human frailties. (3b)
…redeems our lives from the messes we have created for ourselves. (4a)
…and gives us the benefit of His enduring love for us in obvious ways. (4b)
David decides and declares the Lord is merciful and gracious; and despite all the trials and tests, He can always be counted on to demonstrate his character of redeeming love. (8b)
With God we don’t get what we deserve, (10) rather we receive God’s best, which is His steadfast love. (17)
The birth of Jesus reminds us that the Psalmist’s declaration about God’s character and how God has demonstrated His goodness to us, is spot on! If we will start a list, recording all of God’s specific benefits to us, we will surely join the Psalmist by starting our day saying “Bless the Lord, Oh my soul and all that is within me, Bless His Holy Name!”
Vice President, ChildHope
Prayer: At this Christmas season, O Lord, I will declare, with David, that all the works of God are worthy of my gratefulness today and every day!
See other devotionals in this series.
Psalm 103:1-4, 8, 10, 17 (ESV)
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
3 who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
8 The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
10 He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
17 But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,
and his righteousness to children’s children,
See other devotionals in this series.
Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®),
copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.