Psalm 103 has been a long time favorite portion of Scripture, perhaps because it speaks of the many benefits we receive from the Lord. Yet the last few days spent in Psalm 103 have brought a much different focus.
“Be not afraid of saying too much in the praises of God; all the danger is of saying too little.” (Matthew Henry)
David, in writing this psalm, issues a call to worship, to praise God. He calls his own soul to worship God, and in so doing, he calls us as well. How do we do this on the hard days? The days we may not feel like praising? The days we just want to be quiet?
“For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far as the east is from the west. The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.”
(Psalm 103:11-13, NLT)
- Remember. “… may I never forget the good things he does for me” (verse 2). Remember God has done things and they have been good. And they have turned out for good.
- Recount. As we remember the good He has done, may we also count them, recognizing they have been many – forgiveness, healing, love, mercy, and strength. “He fills my life with good things” (verse 5).
- Removed. God not only offers us forgiveness of our sins, He removes them far from us. Sin, much like a disease, would mar our lives, yet God removes the disease from us so we are able to live life, abundantly and free (verse 12).
- Remains. His love remains forever. “But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him” (verse 17). His love will never change. He loves us constantly and everlastingly. His love is unconditional and loyal towards His own.
The more we know God and recognize His activity in our lives, the more we will praise Him. Praise and gratitude stem from the inward condition of our hearts. To know Him is to praise Him.
“Let ALL that I am praise the Lord.”
Today I am joining … Porch Stories and Tell His Story and Coffee For Your Heart and Woman to Woman and Recharge Wednesday .
Thanks for this great reminder, Joanne. I loved the Matthew Henry quote too. We truly can’t praise God or brag about him too much. Lovely! Blessings upon blessings to you!
What a great quote — and it’s a great argument for memorizing Scripture. When my words fail, God has provided an entire song book full of praise!
What a great pneumonic to remind us of God’s goodness!Thanks for sharing!
I think this is why I’m a Truth Agent – HIS WORD is my favorite!!! xo
Thank you for the beautiful reminder that we need to praise God more. You are so right we say too little most of the time.
Such an important reminder with practical ways to praise Him at all times and all circumstances.