Bless the Lord, O My Soul Psalm 103:1-2
Introduction
Today, we dive into a beautiful psalm that calls us to reflect, rejoice, and respond to the goodness of God. Psalm 103:1-2 invites us into a posture of worship and gratitude:
"Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me." (Psalm 103:1-2, NLT)
In these verses, David speaks to his soul, urging it to remember and rejoice in the blessings of God. Today, we will explore three key aspects of this psalm:
Blessing the Lord with our whole being.
Remembering the goodness of God.
Living in gratitude and worship.
Let’s begin by reflecting on what it means to bless the Lord.
1. Blessing the Lord with Our Whole Being
Psalm 103:1 "Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name."
David begins this psalm by speaking to himself, encouraging his entire being to bless the Lord. The Hebrew word for "praise" here is barak, which means to kneel or bless in adoration. This is not a half-hearted acknowledgment but an all-encompassing act of worship that engages mind, body, and spirit.
David focuses on the "holy name" of the Lord, pointing to God’s character and attributes. The name of the Lord is a representation of His holiness, faithfulness, and sovereignty.
In Mark 12:30, Jesus teaches: "And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength." True worship requires our whole being. It’s not confined to Sunday mornings but extends into every part of our lives.
Imagine a musician who pours their heart and soul into a performance, holding nothing back. That is the kind of devotion God desires from us—a worship that is complete and unreserved.
Matt Redman wrote, "Worship is about what we value most. It’s about saying, ‘This person, this thing, this experience is what matters most to me.’"
Are we blessing the Lord with all that we are, or are we holding something back? Let us surrender fully to Him in worship.
2. Remembering the Goodness of God
Psalm 103:2 "Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me."
David continues by urging his soul to remember God’s benefits. The Hebrew word for "forget" is shakach, which implies neglect or disregard. David recognises how easy it is to take God’s blessings for granted, especially in the busyness of life.
The "good things" refer to the tangible and spiritual blessings God bestows upon His people. These include forgiveness, healing, redemption, and His steadfast love.
Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us: "Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful." Forgetting God’s goodness can lead to pride and self-reliance. By intentionally reflecting on His blessings, we cultivate humility and gratitude.
Think of a gratitude journal where you write down daily blessings. Each entry becomes a reminder of God’s faithfulness.
Christian author Ann Voskamp says, "Gratitude always precedes the miracle." Remembering God’s goodness positions us to receive more of His grace.
This week, take time to reflect on the specific ways God has been good to you. Let those memories fuel your worship.
3. Living in Gratitude and Worship
Hebrews 13:15 "Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name."
Hebrews 13:15 encourages believers to offer a "sacrifice of praise." The Greek word for "sacrifice" (thusia) signifies an offering that costs something. True worship is not always convenient or easy; it requires intention and commitment.
Through Jesus, our High Priest, we can approach God with confidence and gratitude. Our worship becomes an act of allegiance, declaring His lordship over our lives.
In Colossians 3:17, Paul writes: "And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father." Gratitude and worship are not confined to words but are expressed through our actions and attitudes.
Imagine a candle burning brightly in a dark room. Our gratitude and worship are like that candle—bringing light and warmth to a world often overshadowed by ingratitude and despair.
Pastor Rick Warren says, "The more grateful you are, the closer you will feel to God."
Living in gratitude transforms our perspective and deepens our relationship with God. Are we living lives marked by thanksgiving and worship?
Conclusion: Bless the Lord, O My Soul
Psalm 103:1-2 calls us to:
Bless the Lord with our whole being.
Remember the goodness of God.
Live in gratitude and worship.
As we reflect on this passage, let us commit to a lifestyle of worship and gratitude. Let us not forget His blessings but proclaim His goodness every day.
Call to Action:
Will you bless the Lord with all that you are? Will you take time to remember His goodness and live a life of gratitude? If you have never experienced the love and forgiveness of Jesus, today is the day to respond. Romans 10:9 assures us: "If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
Let us pray together and commit our lives to Him.
