Let’s Not Forget!

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits (Ps. 103:2).

When you read the history of the Israelites you see that they tended to forget God as well as His kindness towards them. If we’re not careful, we will do the same. As His children, God has blessed us in so many ways. In Psalm 103, David reminds us of some of His blessings: who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s (Ps. 103:3-5). In these few verses, David reminds us that…

1.  God forgives us (v. 3). Israel had sinned time and time again and yet God forgave them. If we are honest, we would have to admit that we too have sinned against God time and time again; yet He forgives us. In addition, He heals all our diseases—He restores our moral and spiritual life. David adds, as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us (Ps. 103:12). God’s forgiveness is complete and sure.

2.  God redeems us (v. 4). God set the Israelites free from certain death in Egypt. We who have come to God by faith through Jesus for salvation have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus. We have been set free from sin and sin’s penalty, which is death (see Rom. 6:23). According to David, God does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities (Ps. 103:10). God in His amazing grace and endless mercy has set us free.

3.  God crowns us (v. 4). In His grace, God surrounds or envelopes His children with His loyal, steadfast love and mercy. In fact, David goes on to write, For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him (Ps. 103:11). Thank God for His steadfast love!

4.  God satisfies us (v. 5). God brings contentment to the lives of His children by constantly caring for and providing for us. Since God created us He knows our needs, and in turn, meets our needs. He satisfies us with good things.

As we look back in history, both in the lives of the Israelites, as well as in our own lives, we can trace God’s mercy, grace, kindness, love, and compassion. So, let’s not forget God or His many benefits! Let’s say with the psalmist David, Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name (Ps. 103:1).