Psalm 103 – Bless the Lord this Thanksgiving

By: Edward Cortez

 

Psalm 103 is a song of meditation by David in his later years of life. I imagine him retracing his steps as a shepherd boy on some grassy fields, his steps had slowed down due to old age, reflecting on his very difficult and challenging life journey and how God had been so gracious and merciful to him throughout his life. The vigor and strength of youth had deserted him. His eyes were beginning to dim. Yet he was so enraptured in the joy and presence of God while reflecting on how good and faithful God was to him throughout his life journey. Filled with overflowing love and gratitude to God, he exclaimed and sang this powerful praise to God.

If we look at this psalm, there are no requests, it is only praise to the Lord. In our prayers, why not spend more time in thanking and praising God rather than always asking God – although there’s nothing wrong with presenting our needs. But the fact is we are good at asking but poor in expressing gratitude at times. Let’s look at verse one, “Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name!” It is both our privilege and obligation to praise the Lord.

We are used to asking God to bless us. But here in this chapter, it’s us represented by David, blessing God. To bless God is such a wonderful privilege and opportunity! When God blesses us, God reviews our needs, sees our desperation and responds to them. He blesses us with good health, financial provisions, healing, and such. When we bless God, we review his excellencies, we meditate on His goodness, we reflect upon His character, and we respond to Him in awe, gratitude, thanksgiving, service, and overflowing love. That’s how we bless God!

And then verse one continues, and “All that is within me.” It means that all our inner being is focused on the Lord – heart, soul, mind, and strength. This is not just a mere simple praise or formal prayer. David here meant every word he was saying. He expressed deep worship from the bottom of his heart and from the depths of his soul.

The second verse states, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” Do you know that the Jews not only pray before eating but they also pray after eating. It’s called “Berzat Hamazon” (grace after meals). It is to remember that it is God who has given them their food and a satisfying meal. So, they pray before meals and then pray again after meals. The Jews don’t want to forget who provided for their meals and who is the source of their daily provisions. May we never forget God who sustains us each day of our lives. May we never forget the One who gives us our daily bread, air to breathe, and strength to carry on.

From verses 3 to 5, David listed six special blessings from the hand of the Lord. He declared starting from verse two, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” These are excellent and far superior blessings that anyone can ever receive. And so, this thanksgiving season, let us focus our all on the Lord and declare, “Bless the Lord, O my soul and all that is within me!