Do Not Forget!

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Scripture
 
Psa. 103:0   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 do not forget 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 as long as you live
        so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Observation

David pauses and takes a moment to remember all that the LORD has done for him. Instead of asking God to bless him, he blesses the LORD by reviewing his excellencies and responding to them. (NCC)  So full is David’s heart that this blessing of the LORD comes from his whole being.

In blessing the LORD David encourages others to not forget all the things that the LORD has done. This is the LORD who forgives all of our sins, those in the past, the present and even those sins which we may commit in the future. This is the LORD who looks upon our corrupted bodies and sends his son so that we may be eternally healed. This is the LORD who finds us down in the pit, and acts as our kinsman-redeemer, paying the price to have us saved now and from future destruction. This destruction is replaced with love and mercy which overflows, leading to a life of satisfaction so that every day we are renewed and soar like the eagle when resting in the LORD.

Application

Today is the first day of the new year — 2017. We have had time to reflect on 2016 and all that it may have represented for our lives. Now, as we step into this new year, we don’t want to dwell on the past, but we should never forget all that the LORD has done for us. We bring the LORD of 2016 with us into 2017, and instead of focusing on the human activity of this past year, we begin to praise and bless the LORD with all that is within us. When we focus on the LORD and don’t forget what he has done for us and in doing so, the things of the world do grow strangely dim.

In the midst of commitments to new years’ resolutions, let’s also take time to remember and bless the LORD. “Do not forget his benefits” — for there are so many! This is really the culmination of this Christmas season as we do not forget the benefits which we have received as a result of the birth of Jesus Christ. He has made it possible for ALL our sins to be forgiven. He has healed humanity by his very incarnation into human flesh, making it possible for all of us to have life eternal. Jesus has reached down into the pit and pulled us out, cleaned us up and daily showered us with love and mercy. This is our good and great God!

Instead of asking God to bless us today in prayer, let’s take a few moments and bless the LORD for all that we have received through Christ. We may put the things of this past year behind, but may we never forget all the benefits we have in Christ Jesus.

Prayers

Lord, with a heart of gratitude I bless and thank you for the immeasurable things you have done in my life. Amen.


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