“Bless the LORD…”

Psalm 103:1 NKJV — A Psalm of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name!

David is the one who penned this psalm and it is rich with spiritual truths.

He begins with a command to himself: “bless the LORD, O my soul; and And all that is within me, bless His holy name!”

One might reflect that his command to both his soul and all other inner parts was purely poetic.

Yet, is there not an application here?

Can anyone not relate to having their soul in conflict with their thoughts or their emotions in conflict with their understanding?

Thus, David is covering every part of his inward man by stating: “and all that is within me”.

Psalm 103:2 NKJV — Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits:

Reflection upon the character of God and the works of His hands is important and should be the reason for our whole worship.

Psalm 103:3 NKJV — Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,

Through Jesus’ sacrifice, our sins are forgiven!

No illness, no infirmity, nothing which is common here of physical issues shall be present in Heaven.

Not only did Jesus pay the price for our sin, it is by His stripes we are healed.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5 KJV

As incredible as all of this is, King David continues with his list.

Psalm 103:4 NKJV — Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,

The Bible records multiple times God saved David’s life and He is still working in ways we may not even realize to redeem our lives from destruction.

Psalm 103:5 NKJV — Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

David acknowledges that it is God who provides and sustains him.

Psalm 103:6 NKJV — The LORD executes righteousness And justice for all who are oppressed.

The Lord God is just and He is righteous.

It is through history, we can clearly see His Sovereignty.

He raises up kingdoms and He brings them down.

He is both merciful and full of justice, giving many opportunities to repent from sin and return to Him, but also executing punishment for wickedness.

Truly, we, like King David, have many reasons to praise God.

The psalm continues to list the reasons we should worship and it ends as it began.

Psalm 103:22 NKJV — Bless the LORD, all His works, In all places of His dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul!

Let us join with David in saying: “Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name!”

Dear Lord Jesus,

I praise Your holy name! Like David, I choose to reflect upon Your wonderful works and Your amazing ways. Lord, You are goodness and truth. You are our hope and Your salvation is our joy. Lord, thank You for Your Word which has given us the truth of who You are and what You have done and are doing. Jesus, thank You for the innumerable blessings You pour out. Thank You for Your creation which is beyond my understanding. Thank You for the Sun, Moon, and stats, and the beauty as well as other benefits we enjoy from them. Thank You for the air we breathe and the water we drink, the food we eat. Thank You for sustaining us day and night. Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word. Thank You for teaching us what love truly is and loving us to the death and beyond the grave. Thank You for Your promises. Thank You that You will one day return. Thank You for the security of a soul safe with You. I love You, Jesus. Amen.