SubscribeSeeing and praising God’s benefits
Ever since I heard Psalm 103 over a radio broadcast last week, it has been singing in my head. Throughout the weekend as I remembered those who gave their last measure of devotion to this country, the Psalm kept coming back to me. Today as I sat through an eye exam, it continued to push itself to the front of my thoughts as it also etched itself more firmly in my heart.
The Psalm is not new to me. I’ve read it before and often thought about what it means to give thanks to God for all the benefits bestowed on me and my family. But its relentless presence in my mind over these last few days has heightened my deep gratitude for all that God has done and continues to do. Fortunately, it also is serving as a shield against negative thoughts that try to creep into my psyche.
Such as the ones that tried to intrude during my unscheduled trip to the optometrist today. Increasingly nagging left eye strain stopped me today and prompted me to go for a much needed eye exam. I suspected the culprit was too much time on the computer without enough breaks. So early in the exam when the doctor mentioned something about a possible a pre-cataract condition, my initial, internal response was “oh no.” However, before I could run down all the negative possible scenarios in my head (which I sometimes do), I heard Psalm 103 whispering to me:
“Bless the LORD, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits.”
I was reminded in that moment to praise God for finding out what potentially was causing the strain in my left eye. After more tests, I found that the main culprit is inescapable– aging. I don’t mind aging, particularly given the alternative, and I am enjoying it so far. With my new prescription, hopefully I will see my way clearer into the future.
Also I will make some adjustments in my reading and computer habits to offset any other potential problems, and I am keeping in mind one of the other benefits that the Psalm promises. Verse 5 reminds me that God “satisfies thy desire with good things, So that thy youth is renewed like the eagle.”
Have you praised God lately for all His blessings to you? Was there a specific benefit that you enjoyed today?
Psalm 103
A Psalm of David.
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 iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
4 Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
6 The LORD executes righteousness
And justice for all who are oppressed.
7 He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the children of Israel.
8 The LORD is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
9 He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever.
10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor punished us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
12 As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
13 As a father pities his children,
So the LORD pities those who fear Him.
14 For He knows our frame;
He remembers that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are like grass;
As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
16 For the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
And its place remembers it no more.[a]
17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting
On those who fear Him,
And His righteousness to children’s children,
18 To such as keep His covenant,
And to those who remember His commandments to do them.
19 The LORD has established His throne in heaven,
And His kingdom rules over all.
20 Bless the LORD, you His angels,
Who excel in strength, who do His word,
Heeding the voice of His word.
21 Bless the LORD, all you His hosts,
You ministers of His, who do His pleasure.
22 Bless the LORD, all His works,
In all places of His dominion.
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
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