November 1st

Bless the LORD, O My Soul

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: (Psalm 103:1-2 KJV)

David begins this psalm by speaking to his own soul. He reminds himself to bless the Lord. Praise does not always begin with a feeling. Sometimes it starts with a reminder. We must sometimes deliberately turn our attention away from the distractions of life and remind ourselves of the faithfulness and goodness of our God.

Forget not all his benefits

It is easy to remember the urgent problems we're facing and forget our blessings. Difficulties have a way of demanding our attention. Yet when we stop and remember what the Lord has done for us, our perspective starts to change.

The verses that follow give us plenty to remember. He forgives all our sins, He heals all our diseases, He redeems our life from destruction, He crowns us with lovingkindness and tender mercies, and He satisfies our mouth with good things, and renews our youth. David found that there was always a reason to praise the Lord.

Thanksgiving grows naturally when we remember God's goodness. The more we think about what He has done, the more praise rises within our hearts and the more an attitude of gratitude remains upon us.

Take a few moments today to remember the Lord's benefits in your own life, how good He has been to you. Think about His faithfulness, His provision, His protection, His forgiveness, and His mercy. And then say, "Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name."