Bless the Lord, O My Soul

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! (2) Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, (3) who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, (4) who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, (5) who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (6) The LORD works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. (7) He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel. (8) The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. – Psalm 103:1–8

Psalm 103 is a song of praise in which David preaches to his own heart: “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” We, too, must remind ourselves of God’s grace, for our hearts are prone to forget.

David names these “benefits” of God’s redeeming love:

• Forgiveness: He forgives all our iniquity (Ephesians. 1:7).
• Healing: Christ, the Great Physician, heals the deadly sickness of sin (Isaiah. 53:5).
• Redemption: God rescues us from the pit of death and judgment (Galatians. 3:13).
• Love and Mercy: He crowns His children with steadfast love that never ends.
• Satisfaction: Only Christ, the Bread of Life, can truly satisfy our souls (John 6:35).

David closes this section by grounding all blessings in the very character of God: “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” (Ps. 103:8).

This is our God! In Christ, He has shown us mercy, forgiven our sins, and given us eternal life. Let us not forget His benefits—but with all that is within us, let us bless His holy name.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Jason Boothe

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