Week 26
Psalm 103:1-5 “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; who pardons all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases; who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle.”
Often the aging process brings with it a souring of the disposition and heart. Life has a way of beating us down, and through life’s journey we find ourselves in predicaments that leave us hurt, disappointed, and jaded.
This is the on-ramp to bitterness and anger. So many live their lives fueled by the toxicity of anger and hatred. Their entire lives are flavored by failure (either by themselves or by others against them). This saps our souls of joy, hope, and love. We cannot love and we cannot rejoice when our souls are bitter.
David in our text today writes with a happy note and a joyful heart. This is not because David had never known the poisonous fumes of pain, suffering, and sorrow. Rather, it was in spite of these negative things, David rose above them. He towered over his heart brokenness, and he did so with faith and assurance.
How did he do this? The text explains it. He focused his mind and heart on the goodness of God to him. Look at how many times David writes, “Bless the Lord.” All through Psalm 103 he speaks as one who is constantly feeding on the goodness of God in life, in spite of his circumstances and hurts. He calls on angels to bless the Lord, and he calls on all creation to bless the Lord. But his greatest sermon is for himself: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.”
Sometimes we have a weird enjoyment of telling others how hard our life has been. We gain some sort of twisted pleasure in telling others how terribly God has treated us in life. But this is sin! Our new natures in Christ call us to rise in the sunshine of joy, giving thanks to God for all that He has done for us. He has forgiven us, He has met us at the deepest part of our need, and He has provided for us both now and for all eternity. We are, of all people on the earth, most blessed because God has chosen us for Himself. We are His sheep in His pasture, and we are His covenant people of grace.
It is not wrong to be aware of your painful situation, but it is sin to elevate your pain to the place of idolatry, a place where your pain drives the engine of your life. Look at Christ, look at His cross, look at His suffering for you, and mediate on His goodness to you. Soon your heart will be soaring and singing the goodness of the Lord.
Dear Lord, keep me from soaking in my sorrows, and help me to see how good You have been to me. Help me to praise You and honor You for all You have done for me in Christ. Amen.