Read Psalm 103
Praise the Lord! What an uplifting tribute to God’s majesty, provision, and love. If ever you find yourself at a loss of words in prayer, lean into this truth of who God is. When we remember and call out God’s goodness, more and more examples just flood out of us. God loves to hear our praise.
The psalmist cries out, “Let all that I am praise the Lord.” That some sincere devotion. How many of us have ever been that “all-in” for God in our lives? We tell ourselves we have responsibilities, tasks, people counting on us, jobs, only 24 hours in a day. Yes, we have those things. But are they more important than God?
We can bring praise into those tasks and relationships. How much stronger those connections and outcomes can be with God involved remains to be seen. We have to invite him into our everyday. God wants more than just a couple minutes a day and church on Sunday.
After reading this beautiful psalm, I don’t think there’s any question in why we should be praising God. Verse 7 stood out because I’ve been reading through the book of Leviticus and the “holiness code” God gave Moses because he loved his people so much. God’s character was revealed and shared with us. Remembering how much God loves us is one of the top reasons to give him honor and praise.
Our psalmist, David, speaks of forgiveness and redemption as if Jesus has been revealed to him. To have had that wisdom from God was a bit prophetic as well as comforting to David. David also confirms God’s great love for us as well as his belief in an army of angels doing God’s will. How does it make you feel to image an army of angels fighting your battles?
This psalm is so timely for sparking us into a mindset of gratitude. With all that we face each day in our personal lives, our work lives, and our lives as citizens on this planet, being overwhelmed is to be expected. Remember there is nothing bigger than God or out of his control. We are not able to see to the other side of our problems, so we have to trust God. The outcome can be so much better than we could have imagined.
Which of these reminders spoke to you today? Verse 17 was it for me (although verses 8 and 13 were close contenders). It reads, “But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children.” What a promise to know that God will love us forever. And, if you’re like me unsure of the faith journey your children are on, this promise assures us we’ll see them in heaven. That is definitely something to rejoice over.
Take some time today to sit with this psalm. It’s one to tuck away for reference when wanting to recall all of God’s goodness. You might also want to listen to one of my favorite praise songs these days, “Goodness of God,” by Bethel Music and Jenn Johnson.
Let’s pray. With every breath, LORD, let me sing your praises and tell people of your goodness. I love how you have never given up on me, even when I have been rebellious. I am surrendered now and want to be all-in for you like the psalmist is. I am yours LORD, have your way with me. Thank you for everything you have done. My soul rejoices in your faithful presence. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
