Forget None Of His Benefits

Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! (Psalm 103:1). Oh, that this was indeed our resolve! Even in these days, when minds are engrossed with the uncertainties and agonies of COVID-19, let us remind our souls to bless the Lord, and forget not all His benefits (Psalm 103:2). 

Soul, bless the Lord who forgives all your iniquities (Psalm 103:3)

Dear Christian, do you remember how God in His mercy made you alive? – You, who were dead in those trespasses and sins that made you an object of God’s wrath (Ephesians 2:1-3). Do you remember that because of His great love for you, God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the penalty for your sins? – Christ was crucified, He became a curse for you to redeem you from the curse of God’s law (Galatians 3:13). 

Oh, remember! He granted you repentance and helped you believe in Christ alone for salvation. And even now, He promises to forgive you and cleanse you of all unrighteousness, if you confess your sins (1John 1:9).

Soul, bless the Lord who heals all your diseases (Psalm 103:3)

Yes, God sovereignly allowed that malaria medicine to be effective and He gave that doctor wisdom to correctly diagnose and treat that typhoid. But more importantly, soul, do you remember that it is God who heals your spiritual disease? He cleanses you of those sins that make you a sick and diseased soul.

Oh, remember! Christ Jesus was wounded for your transgressions, He was bruised for your iniquities; the chastisement for your peace was upon Him, and by His stripes, soul, you have been healed from the deadly disease of sin (Isaiah 53:5).

Soul, bless the Lord who redeems your life from destruction and crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies (Psalm 103:4)

Yes, God protected you from that accident and He did not allow that stray bullet to hit you. But more importantly, soul, do you remember that God saved you from death which was the wage for your sins against Him? He gave you the gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus when He convicted you of your sins, granted you repentance, and made you believe in Him who died for your sins. (John 3:16, Romans 6:23)

Oh, remember! Christ Jesus saved you from destruction. He reconciled you to God, and this peace He accomplished through the blood of His cross, where He bore your sins in His own body, that you may die to those sins and live for righteousness – and live for Him who died for you and rose again. (2Corinthians 5:15, Colossians 1:20, 1Peter 2:24)

Soul, bless the Lord who satisfies your mouth with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s (Psalm 103:5)

Yes, God gives you your daily bread, and all that is needed for your sustenance. But more importantly, soul, do you remember that He has given you His Spirit who helps you and teaches you His word so that as you are taught, and as you abide in His word, your strength is renewed in this pilgrimage? (Isaiah 40:31, Matthew 4:4, John 14:26)

Oh, remember! Christ Jesus is the bread of life who satisfies all your spiritual needs! He has told you that you will never be hungry if you come to Him, neither will you thirst if you believe in Him. (John 6:35) 

Oh soul, forget none of God’s gracious benefits! The Psalmist stirred up himself to bless the Lord and we too must do likewise, for great is the Lord and greatly to be praised!