Sometimes the best way is to stop and make a list of all God has done
By Dean Collins
There are many reasons for us to “bless the lord”! We don’t know if it was a specific occasion that prompted the beautiful outpouring of David’s praise in Psalm 103, but we can tell that the psalmist was overwhelmed by the reality of the many blessings that had flowed from God’s throne, and the psalmist simply could not contain his gratitude and praise to God.
Reading the end of 1 Samuel and watching David strengthen himself in the Lord and the turnaround that resulted makes me wonder if at least part of that experience prompted David’s praise. David, like all of us, had many ups and downs. Coming out of a difficult or stressful season of life might naturally stir spontaneous praise to God. But sometimes it might be best to set specific times and ways where we choose to focus on all the things God has done for us. When we shift our focus off of ourselves and onto God and his kindness to us, it will be hard to stay stuck in our sense of despair.
Listing his blessings
The psalmist opened Psalm 103 in praise to God for the many things God had done and continued to do for him. We can feel the gratitude and joy of David’s praise as he blessed the Lord with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength. Look at the list of things David realized that God had done for him. You and I know that God does all of these very things for us as well:
Forget not all his benefits
Forgives all your iniquity
Heals all your diseases
Redeems your life from the pit
Crowns you with steadfast love and mercy
Satisfies you with good
Your youth is renewed like an eagle’s
Works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed
Provides a way for his beloved
Is merciful and gracious
Is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love
Does not always chide or rebuke
Does not keep his anger forever
Does not deal with us according to our sins or repay us according to our iniquities
Reminding ourselves of God’s overwhelming and continued blessings to us helps us regain perspective. It is our tendency to focus on our difficulties, our illnesses, or our dilemmas. But recalling God’s goodness and his many blessings can shift our focus and fill us with gratitude and praise. And when we worship God we are renewed in spirit and find strength for the journey ahead.
Remembering his provision
Some scholars believe David wrote Psalm 103 later in his life. In 2 Samuel chapter 5, we watch as David is anointed as kIng and takes the throne he would keep for 40 years. During those 40 years, there were good times and difficult times. As David looks back over his life he realizes that through it all, God had always been good and provided for his every need.
David’s journey to the throne had many setbacks. Some of the setbacks were completely out of David’s control and some were caused by David’s choices. Psalm 103 helps us see that regardless of how we get into difficult situations, God always reaches out to us with uncountable blessings and grace.
Discovering peace
Maybe today after reading Psalm 103, we might consider making our own list of the many things God has done for us. Reminding ourselves of God’s goodness and declaring praise to God might just be the medicine we need to get ourselves in the frame of mind that brings full surrender to God where we will find indescribable peace.
Dear Father, we acknowledge that you have established your throne forever and that all good things flow from you. Receive our praise today as we recall the many ways you have filled our lives with blessing, mercy, and love. We declare with the angels above and the saints who have gone before us: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all this is within me, bless your holy name!”
Your time with God’s Word
Psalm 103:1-22; 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 10, 12 ESV
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
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