Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits. Psalm 103:1-2
“Psalm 103 is one of the favorites among the hymns of praise; its opening words are familiar to worshipers. The psalm incorporates elements of praise and individual songs of thanksgiving. The praise follows the classic form of the Psalter, with the call to praise followed by the resons for the praise. The summons to praise in Psalm 103 is unusual in that it is a self-exhortation, but the context is still that of corporate worship. The psalm would fit well in a worship context in which the congregation offers praise and thanksgiving as a setting for individuals to express gratitude for deliverance from crises and for the bringing of offerings.”
Walter Brueggemann in Psalms (NCBC: New York; Cambridge University Press, 2014) 440.
In challenging times, we must remember all the blessings we have from the LORD or as the psalmist put it, “forget not His benefits.”
Psalm 103 is a hymn of praise that fits for individuals and groups. Brueggemann notes that it also fits well linked to the bringing of offerings.
This kind of remembering for individuals and groups nurtures a heart of gratitude in us. It also helps nurture greater generosity in our lives.
Wherever you are at today. Pause to read it. Did a word or phrase minister to you? What message might God be sending to you?
Regardless of your challenges, needs, worries, successes, failures, fears, or concerns. Stop to lift up this hymn of praise. Praise the LORD, my soul.