Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Psalm 103:1-5
Remember all His benefits.
Have you ever been through a season of life that felt hopeless or discouraging? Seasons of change and loss can be difficult and can even make the world seem overwhelming. When life is swirling around us, it can be hard to remember the good things God has already done.
Setbacks, disappointments, unmet expectations, and detours can take their toll on our hearts, making it hard to trust God and other people. Giving thanks and praising God can feel like the last thing we want to do when we are hurting. How can we praise God when we aren’t even sure He’s hearing our prayers or watching over us?
Praising God doesn’t change our circumstances. But it does change our hearts.
I love the opening verses of Psalm 103 because the writer of Psalms, David, tells his soul what to think about and believe. He tells himself to remember God’s benefits and blessings and what He has already done in his life. Each statement is a declaration of God’s goodness and faithfulness in every season, including this one.
We can find new strength when we meditate on God’s faithfulness and the blessings He showers on us daily. It doesn’t mean our situation will change or that everything will become easy, but it does take our eyes off of our wounds so we can truly look to our Healer.
God loves us unconditionally and cares about us individually. He might allow hard seasons in our lives for reasons we don’t understand, but it doesn’t mean He has forgotten us or left us. His character never changes. He is always our Shepherd who leads us faithfully, even in the dark valleys. We can trust Him and thank Him for all that He has already done before we see what He will do.
Challenge/Takeaway Action: What is the obstacle or season that has you feeling left behind, defeated, confused, or uncertain…even unloved? What wounds are you focusing on rather than looking to the Healer? Take some time to talk with the Shepherd today and ask for His wisdom and guidance through the situation. Encourage yourself in the truth of what you have in Him and all of His benefits, even as you wait on Him for healing and comfort.
