Memorize: Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant. – Psalms 135:3
Read: Psalms 103:1-5 (KJV)
1 A Psalm 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 forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
MESSAGE:
Ingratitude is dangerous, particularly when it is directed at God, the Almighty. There are many things we enjoy from God’s benevolence, but we take for granted. As we saw in the Bible reading for today, when David seemed to be forgetful of the goodness of the Lord, he decided to preach to his soul. He took his time to list the blessings of God upon his life so that his soul could be grateful for each of them.
The first thing he mentioned was the benefit of forgiveness he enjoyed from the Holy One of Israel. Modern day Christians do not appreciate the blessing of forgiveness like David did. We often take work of redemption for granted. Anyone who appreciates the agonizing death of Jesus Christ on the Cross for the sin of humanity wouldn’t want to indulge in sin any more. The apostle asked rhetorically:
“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?” - Romans 6:1
Only those who take the issue of sin lightly would say, “Let us sin the more, so that we may enjoy the grace the more”, and they shall not be guiltless according to the scriptures:
“26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.” - Hebrews 10:26-27
Another blessings David listed in his collection of God’s benefits is divine healing. The Psalmist blessed the Lord for healing, whereas, some of us who enjoy divine health have never said thank you to the Giver of good health. The Lord promised that He would not allow us to be plagued with the sickness and diseases that the Egyptians suffered and He made bold to say:
“And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.” - Exodus 15:26
My prayer for someone using this devotional is that the Lord will grant you divine health which is far superior to healing in Jesus’ Name. However, we must not take God’s grace and blessings for granted. We must endeavour to show our appreciation by living for God alone and by glorifying Him in our bodies.
Action Point: Take some time to count the blessings of the Lord upon your life and give Him adequate gratitude in return.
Bible in One Year: Matthew 12:9-13:43; Job 12:13-25
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