“O my soul, bless God. From head to toe, I’ll bless his holy name! O my soul, bless God, don’t forget a single blessing! He forgives your sins—every one. He heals your diseases—every one. He redeems you from hell—saves your life! He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown. He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal. He renews your youth—you’re always young in his presence.”
Psalms 103:1-5 MSG
https://bible.com/bible/97/psa.103.1-5.MSG
REFLECTION
This passage reminds me to be intentional about praising God. I don’t see this as slapping on a silly grin and prancing about in a state of ignorant bliss or going to the other extreme and gruffly giving thanks through gritted teeth. No, to me this is about practising a posture of praise, while facing reality, and approaching life with a sense of profound appreciation and gratitude that is rooted in the truth of God’s Word. When I do this, I find that I feel closer to God, I’m more sensitive and caring in my interactions with people and I tackle problems in a more positive, solution-orientated way (as opposed to grumbling, blaming etc). When we feel emotionally low or physically afflicted, staying positively praiseful may not come naturally. But, I find that I have real reasons to be grateful (irrespective of how I’m feeling or what I’m facing) when I prioritise prayer and pondering the truth of God’s Word. Prayerfully memorising and meditating on God’s promises [like Romans 8:28 CSB: “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”] keeps the truth alive and active in our hearts and helps to keep our hearts healthy and hopeful, as we move forward in faith. So let’s intentionally and continually renew our minds by staying mindful of the One who loves us and let’s keep His promises pulsating in our hearts, for then belief will blaze and praise will flow forth and open wide the gate to joy and peace in Christ Jesus our Lord.
PRAYER POEM: Eternally True
Lord ~ I’m so deeply grateful that, regardless of what we may see, we have eternal victory, because of the Cross of Calvary.
Pleasing You is what I want to do, because I’m in awe of You and Your promises are eternally true.
