(Psalm 103:1-5, 10-12 ESV) 1 Of David. 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, 5 who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. … 10 He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
This Psalm is very well-known and loved by all. It is because of the glad news of God’s love for His people. The title of this devotional references a few “R” words that carry great meaning to the reader. Consider…
- REDEEM – To gain or regain possession of (something) in exchange for payment.
- RENEWED – Reestablish; give fresh life or strength to.
- REPAY – Pay back.
- REMOVED – Eliminate or get rid of.
Each of these “R” words provide divine benefits that come to us from the hand of the Lord. Once realized, it is a natural response to express gratitude. The Psalmist uses such beautiful words to describe the goodness of God. Words like benefits, forgiveness, heal, crowns, steadfast love, mercy, satisfies; each lifts up another attribute of God’s steadfast love. Let that sink in… Selah!
Each day that I live, I’m reminded of how good God is to me. The one statement in this passage that most moves me is, “He does NOT deal with us according to our sins, nor repay according to our iniquities.”
And to that I can only say, “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!”
PRAYER: Father, words escape me when I think of Your steadfast love for me. I can only say Thank You. It seems inadequate. But it is what my heart feels. Thank You! Amen.
Thinking Out Loud 