Psalm 103

Read Psalm 103

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy Name!” The faithful in Israel had so many reasons to thank God. Not only could they bless Him for the daily gifts that sustained their lives, but since they were the recipients of His promises, they could thank Him for the life to come. “Forget not all His benefits.” Even if a worshiper of God was struggling with some request that had not yet been granted, he could know that a time was coming when he would experience all of the benefits of the grace of God.

All who called upon the Lord's Name could know that they were ransomed, healed, restored, and forgiven. Even in the aches and pains of old age, they could rejoice by faith that their youth was “renewed like the eagle's.” The Lord had already crowned them with “steadfast love and mercy” because of the certainty of His electing purposes.

God would keep His promises that He had recorded for His people in His Word. Moses may not have been able to enter the Promised Land, but he was with all the faithful in Israel who had died in the Lord. “As high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His steadfast love toward those who fear Him.” The heavenly Father of the chosen people had already removed the debt of their sins from them “as far as the east is from the west” based upon the sure atonement that would come in due time.

God knew that His people would never be able to take away the stain of sin from among all the descendants of Adam even with their own best efforts. They would not be able to keep themselves alive forever despite their best achievements of science. “He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.” Only through the work of the everlasting Son of God would eternity be won for the redeemed of the Lord. Yet for all who would fear him in reverent worship, even down to “children's children,” the Lord would show His steadfast love forever.

In due time the Lord sent His Son to actually accomplish our salvation. He has kept covenant by His perfect obedience to His Father's Word. He reigns on high as the Supreme King over all. Let all the holy angels and all of His people throughout the vast reaches of His glorious dominion bless His Name forever. “Bless the Lord, O my soul!”

Prayer from A Book of Prayers

Glorious God, thank You for Your abundant mercies. We glorify Your name. You have given us true love that will never end. You have blessed Your people of old. They are alive now in Your presence. Thank you for the forgiveness of sins. Take away from us all the evil that remains in us. You are full of compassion and You will help us forever. Our lives seem so small and so temporary. In You we will rejoice throughout all eternity. We will bless Your Name in the company of angels and resurrected saints. We bless You from the depths of our hearts, O Lord, forever and ever.