PSALM 103

[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 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. 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!

PSALM 103:1-22

PRAYING GOD’S WORD

I love my job/ calling! There is a whole lot to it so it’s hard to define when someone asks, “What do you do?” So I usually just tell kids and others who ask, “I tell other people about Jesus and remind them of his promises in a whole lot of different ways.” (You can see an older post here that outlines a little more about what a pastor does).

One of those ways I get to speak the gospel into peoples lives is through taking time to CARE, having a verse or passage to SHARE, and offering a PRAYER. I simply get to listen to folks and hear the stories of their lives, the circumstances they are facing, and challenges they encounter. I then take a moment to share a little bit of scripture that applies to what they’ve said that the Lord brings to mind. And then I pray through the passage and their circumstances.

I’ll be honest the person I do this with the most… is me! I constantly need to unload to the LORD about all that is going on in my life. I’m a bit of an introvert and so sometimes I have to get out of my own head and just pray out loud. Then the Lord brings the passage to my mind and He’s really good about speaking directly to my circumstances through His Word. I don’t need a man made word, I need God’s Word in my life! Then of course the prayer and this is so sweet when we pray searching for God’s will using God’s word

In this Psalm today, David reminds himself and others about God’s character. If we aren’t careful we will let our circumstances determine the course of our prayers, but David shocks us awake out of a slumber or circumstances and commands us to remember who we are praying to and whom we are praising! It’s not as though we don’t know anything about Him. God’s character should determine how we pray, not our circumstances (because God’s character won’t change, but our circumstances will).

I recently caught myself worrying about some things that I have no real control over and the Holy Spirit brought me to Matthew chapter 6. I was reminded that God takes care of His own, the details of my anxiety were in His hands and I could trust Him. So today with David I echoed this Psalm as my prayer. “Bless the LORD, oh my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name!”

PRAYER

Father, there is such a great benefit in remembering to whom we pray as we pray. I am so grateful for your work in my life. I am so grateful for your word that helps me understand who you are and how you love your own. I am filled to the brim with joy, celebration, and blessing at knowing you and experiencing your work in my life, As I have walked with I have learned more of you and have never been disappointed. I marvel at how quickly I lose sight of you when challenging circumstances happen in my life, I am reminded today that things may change, but you never do. Your love remains the same and in that I am greatly blessed! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

I’m reading and blogging the Psalms Through The Summer. I’d love for you to join me. You can find out a little more here.