Bless the Lord, O my soul, & all that is within me, bless his name

By Dean Collins

I was probably in seventh or eighth grade when I first heard the first verse of Psalm 103 sung. It was a simple melody that drew me in to worship. From about age 15-30, I was an active worship leader in youth and college conferences. I played that simple melody and sang this verse hundreds of times. I don’t know if it was the words, the melody, or the combination, but this chorus seemed to always change the mood of the room.

Calling on God to bless us and lifting praise from all that is within us is powerful stuff. Being aware of the presence of God changes the dynamics of situations and purifies our focus. At 15 the “all that is within me” was mostly dominated by hormones and limited knowledge of the complexity of life, and filled with insecurities. But even in the ignorance of youth, the power of God’s Word passing through my lips and reverberating in my vocal cords soothed and changed me in those moments.

Deeper meaning

For most of us now, singing the phrase “all that is within me” takes on a deeper meaning. Whatever age you are now, you are much more aware of your failures, mistakes, and sin. We are also much more aware of the challenges of life and the distractions of the world that sometimes keep us from our focus on God and his unending love and grace to us.

I don’t play my guitar or sing very often anymore. Maybe it’s my busyness or it could be the fatigue at the end of the day that keeps me from picking it up. And since I don’t play as often, I haven’t learned to play many new songs.

Familiar moment

Just a few days ago my wife and I watched our 2-and-a half-year-old granddaughter Iris as her mother (my third child) and dad went to the birthing center to deliver her baby. My granddaughter was both excited and a little anxious as her parents left for the birthing center. It was bedtime, and I asked if I could get her mommy’s guitar and sing to her as my wife and I tried to get her to sleep. I started my bedtime concert with one of her favorites, “Sunshine on My Shoulder” by John Denver. I don’t remember how many old songs I played as she calmed and listened quietly, but this psalm came to my mind in the mix.

As I sang Psalm 103:1, that familiar moment welled up in my heart. There was no anxiousness about the delivery of a new grandson. There was no sign of fret on my granddaughter’s face. I felt no concerns about work. I felt none of the aches and pains that come with aging. All that was within me simply felt full and right as I quietly sang these words.

God’s presence

Worship is powerful stuff. In God’s presence we are aware of all that he has forgiven and forgotten about our mistakes and failures. In his presence we are renewed and feel the vigor of his strength that allows us to embrace the opportunities ahead. And in his presence we realize the fullness of his love.

It may be another busy day for you today. There are likely things that concern you and even bring stress. We will each probably realize a mistake we made, a sinful thought or action where we didn’t act with grace toward another. The cure for our anxiety and a moment of prioritizing is available with the simple and pure utterance of these words of praise. These lines both direct us and open the window that allows us once again to see God in his glory.

Your time with God’s Word
Psalm 103:1-5

Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

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